Colin Allred Launches Senate Bid Against Cornyn, Blasts 'Corrupt' Texas Leadership

After falling short in his 2024 challenge to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Democrat Colin Allred is once again entering the race for the U.S. Senate — this time targeting Republican Sen. John Cornyn.

Allred, a former Dallas congressman, announced his candidacy in a campaign video that took direct aim at Texas’ GOP leadership.

“Texans are working harder than ever, not getting as much time with their kids, missing those special moments, all to be able to afford less,” Allred said. “And the people that we elected to help — politicians like John Cornyn and Ken Paxton — are too corrupt to care about us and too weak to fight for us.”

The race could become a high-stakes showdown in 2026, especially if Attorney General Ken Paxton, currently facing legal and ethical challenges, chooses to run for the seat himself.

Allred is the first major Democrat to enter the race, though several prominent names are reportedly considering bids, including former El Paso Congressman Beto O’Rourke, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio, and state Rep. James Talarico of Austin. Former astronaut Terry Virts and ex-flight attendant Mike Swanson have already filed to run in the Democratic primary.

Allred’s last campaign against Cruz was closely watched, though he ultimately lost by seven points. The contest featured intense clashes over abortion, immigration, and democracy. In a debate last year, Allred labeled Cruz “a threat to democracy,” citing his role in objecting to the certification of the 2020 election.

“We don’t have to be embarrassed by our senator,” Allred said during the debate. “I’m the exact opposite of Senator Cruz, who is the most extreme senator in the United States Senate.”

Cruz fired back by attacking Allred’s congressional record, claiming the Democrat wanted to “legalize late-term abortion” and “grant voting rights to illegal immigrants.”

With the 2026 election still more than a year away, the Democratic primary is far from settled, but Allred’s early entry makes him a leading contender.