Democrat Colin Allred has announced he will challenge Republican Ted Cruz in 2024. Cruz will be running for his third term.
"When I left the NFL, I thought my days of putting people on the ground were over. Then January 6 happened," Allred said in the video.
In the video, Allred said Cruz "cheered on that mob then hid in the supply closet when they stormed the Capitol."
"That's Ted for you: all hat and no cattle," Allred said.
Allred beat incumbent Republican Pete Sessions in the 32nd Congressional District in 2018 52-46%. He was reelected in 2020 and 2022.
After redistricting, Allred beat Republican Antonio Swad last year 66-34%.
No Democrat has won statewide office since Ann Richards was elected governor in 1990. Other Democrats who have worked with Allred in the House say they believe he could have a more successful campaign than Beto O'Rourke in 2018.
"I feel great about this," says Congressman Marc Veasey. "I think Colin has really distinguished himself. I think voters around the State of Texas will really like his story and get behind him."
Veasey says Allred has shown he can work with Republicans and build relationships during his time in the House.
"I know that personally because sometimes they think they're talking to Colin when they're talking to me. They'll get us confused, but it's because he's just that type of guy," he says.
Cruz responded on Twitter, writing, "We can’t let a radical leftist like Colin Allred flip our state blue in 2024," with a link to donate to his campaign.
In an email, a Cruz campaign spokesman wrote Allred "isn’t serious about addressing the crisis at the border, wants to take away law-abiding Texans’ guns, and is soft on punishing murderers."
Allred would first have to win a Democratic primary to advance to the November election in 2024.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD