Texas politics just threw another curveball with a Democratic Senate hopeful stepping aside on a day of high anticipation.
Breitbart News reported that former Rep. Colin Allred, once the Democrat standard-bearer for a Texas Senate seat, has pulled out of that race and pivoted to a congressional bid in the newly drawn 33rd District, while Rep. Jasmine Crockett is set to reveal whether she’ll jump into the Senate fray against Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).
Allred’s exit from the Senate race came with a sharp critique of the political landscape, citing a desire to avoid a divisive Democratic primary.
“In the past few days, I’ve come to believe that a bruising Senate Democratic primary and runoff would prevent the Democratic Party from going into this critical election unified,” Allred stated, framing his withdrawal as a strategic retreat for party unity.
Let’s unpack that—while unity sounds noble, it’s hard not to wonder if Allred sees the Senate race as a steeper hill than he’s willing to climb against a seasoned incumbent like Cornyn.
Instead, Allred is setting his sights on Texas’s 33rd Congressional District, a place he describes as home turf where he grew up and saw his mother struggle with everyday expenses.
He didn’t shy away from controversy, calling the district “racially gerrymandered by Trump and in effort to further rig our democracy,” a charge that’s sure to raise eyebrows among conservatives who argue redistricting is about fair representation, not racial gamesmanship.
Agree or disagree, Allred’s personal connection to the area—public schools, hard times, and all—gives his campaign a relatable edge, even if his gerrymandering claims feel like a well-worn progressive talking point.
Meanwhile, as Allred shifts gears, all eyes are on Rep. Jasmine Crockett, whose decision on a Senate run could shake up the race against Cornyn.
Crockett, often vocal in her criticism of former President Donald Trump, is weighing her options, noting, “The data says that I can win,” in a recent interview with MS NOW.
Confidence is one thing, but data alone doesn’t win elections—something Crockett seems to acknowledge when she points out that a Texas Senate race, with a population of 30 million, could cost a staggering $100 million.
That’s a hefty price tag for a state where conservative values often hold sway, and it begs the question: Can Crockett’s appeal, even among key voter groups, translate into the kind of cash and momentum needed to challenge a Republican stronghold?
Crockett positions herself as a top choice for Black and Brown voters, citing strong Democratic support in recent elections in other states like New Jersey and Virginia.
While her focus on specific communities could energize a loyal base, it risks alienating broader Texas voters who might see such targeted rhetoric as divisive rather than inclusive in a state that prides itself on rugged individualism.
As the dust settles on Allred’s pivot and Crockett’s looming decision, Texas remains a battleground where policy, personality, and sheer financial muscle will shape the fight ahead—whether it’s in the halls of Congress or the race for Senate.