Former Rep. Colin Allred (R) is presenting himself as a formidable contender in the Texas Senate race, demonstrating resilience and momentum that campaign strategists say could make him the strongest general election candidate Democrats have fielded in a generation.
According to internal and public polling by GBAO, former Rep. Allred holds a narrow yet meaningful advantage over the presumptive Republican nominee.
Among likely 2026 midterm voters, the Democratic contender leads 49% to 47%, with 4% undecided. When undecided voters are allocated by party identification, he edges ahead 50% to 49%. Notably, this lead persists even under a “Trump +11” turnout model, suggesting appeal across a conservative-leaning electorate.
Former Rep. Allred’s strength is particularly pronounced among key demographic groups: independents back him by 62% to 30%, while Hispanic voters support him 58% to 36%, and among voters who say they will definitely vote, he leads 51% to 46%.
The memo also highlights that he enters the Democratic primary with an exceptionally high 85% approval rating among Texas Democrats, in an electorate projected to be about 20% to 21% Black, 28% to 31% Hispanic, 3% to 4% AAPI, and 45% to 48% White.
This resilience follows last year’s grueling cycle, during which Republicans poured more than $100 million into attacks, yet former Rep. Allred rebounded with renewed vigor, fueled by a compelling personal narrative and what the campaign argues is a proven track record.
Raised in Dallas by a single mother and forging a path from Baylor’s football field to the NFL, then into civil-rights law, the campaign notes that former Rep. Allred’s has the capacity to rise to challenges.
Now, as he concludes the first leg of his “Unrig Texas Tour,” where he has hosted five town halls in eight days, his campaign suggests Texas is not just being contested but is central to Democrats’ bid to regain Senate control.
Former Rep. Allred previously challenged Senator Ted Cruz (R), but he lost in the general election.
