Colin Allred Launches 2026 U.S. Senate Campaign in Texas

Jul 1, 2025

Former Democratic Rep. Colin Allred has launched his 2026 campaign for the U.S. Senate in Texas, his second attempt after losing to Ted Cruz in 2024. Allred is the first major Democrat to enter the race for the seat held by Republican John Cornyn, who faces a primary challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton. Allred's campaign is focused on an anti-corruption message, targeting both potential Republican opponents.

Allred 2026 Senate campaign launch

▪If elected, Colin Allred would become the first Black senator from Texas.
▪Democrat Colin Allred, a former congressman, launched his campaign for U.S. Senate in Texas on July 1, 2025.
▪Allred stated he never took corporate PAC money while in Congress and that his first policy proposal would be an "anti-corruption" plan.
▪In his announcement video, Allred criticized Republican politicians John Cornyn and Ken Paxton as "too corrupt to care about us."
▪Allred's 2026 campaign is his second run for the U.S. Senate after an unsuccessful bid against Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024.

Democratic primary potential candidates

▪Allred is the first major Democrat to announce a candidacy for the 2026 Texas Senate race.
▪Other Democrats reportedly considering a run include former Rep. Beto O’Rourke, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, and state Rep. James Talarico.

Paxton-Cornyn Republican primary

▪A May poll by Texas Southern University indicated Paxton led Cornyn by nine points and led Allred by two points in hypothetical matchups.
▪Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging John Cornyn for the Republican nomination.
▪John Cornyn is currently serving his fourth term as a U.S. Senator.
▪The 2026 Senate seat is currently held by incumbent Republican John Cornyn.

Allred 2024 Cruz race performance

▪Allred's 2024 campaign was criticized by some Democrats for its "buttoned-up approach" and lack of investment in smaller Texas communities.
▪In the November 2024 Senate election, Allred lost to Ted Cruz, receiving 45% of the vote to Cruz's 53%.
▪Allred first won a congressional seat in 2018 by defeating incumbent Republican Pete Sessions in a Dallas-area district.
▪While in Congress, Allred was one of three Texas Democrats who voted for a resolution denouncing the Biden administration's border policies.

2026 midterm electoral strategy

▪Texas Democrats hope to capitalize on a potential backlash to the Trump administration during the 2026 midterm elections.
▪Democrats also hope to run against Ken Paxton, viewing him as an "embattled hardline" Republican candidate.
▪Democrats have not won a statewide election in Texas since 1994.