Ted Cruz Sails to Victory Over Colin Allred Affirming Republican Dominance in Texas Senate Race

Republican Senator Ted Cruz secures a third term in Texas, thwarting Democratic hopes of flipping a traditionally red seat.

At a Glance

Ted Cruz defeats U.S. Rep. Colin Allred in Texas Senate race.
Cruz’s victory contributes to Republicans regaining control of the U.S. Senate.
Allred’s campaign struggled despite significant fundraising advantage.
Texas Democrats continue 30-year drought in statewide elections.
Economic issues, immigration, and abortion top concerns for Texas voters.

Cruz Secures Third Term in Costly Campaign

In a closely watched Senate race, Republican incumbent Ted Cruz emerged victorious over Democratic challenger Colin Allred, securing his third term and helping Republicans regain control of the U.S. Senate for the first time in four years. Cruz’s campaign emphasized his role as a get-things-done legislator, resonating with Texas voters who have consistently supported Republican candidates in statewide elections for the past three decades.

Cruz’s victory speech in Houston reflected his commitment to the state’s conservative values. “Tonight the people of Texas have spoken, and their message rings clear as a bell across our great state: Texas will remain Texas,” Cruz declared to his supporters. He also extended an olive branch to those who didn’t vote for him, stating, “I want to say to all of those who didn’t support me, you have my word I will fight for you, your jobs, your safety and for your constitutional rights.”

BREAKING: Ted Cruz beats Colin Allred in Texas Senate race pic.twitter.com/gzjQcsJdQD

— Brandon Waltens (@bwaltens) November 6, 2024

Allred’s Campaign Falls Short Despite Fundraising Success

Colin Allred, a former NFL linebacker turned civil rights attorney, ran a campaign positioning himself as a moderate Democrat and champion of abortion rights. Despite raising an impressive $30 million in the third quarter alone, outpacing Cruz, Allred’s efforts fell short of unseating the incumbent. When NBC News called the race, Cruz led by 9 points with 71% of the vote reported.

“It shouldn’t be remarkable to have to admit defeat. You can’t just be a patriot when your side wins. Tonight we didn’t win, but we will continue to be patriots,” Allred said in his concession speech.

Allred’s campaign faced criticism for not engaging more with smaller Texas communities, a strategy that may have contributed to his defeat. Additionally, his voting record in Congress, which aligned 100% with President Joe Biden’s positions, complicated his efforts to present himself as a moderate candidate in the conservative-leaning state.

Controversial Associations Hinder Allred’s Campaign

Reports during the campaign highlighted Allred’s ties to organizations with controversial positions, potentially alienating some Texas voters. His association with J Street, a group critical of Israel, became a point of contention. Allred’s campaign received over $260,000 from J Street, which also criticized Cruz’s pro-Israel policies. Furthermore, Allred voted against measures condemning boycotts of Israel and recruited a councilman who defended anti-Israel students.

These associations, along with endorsements from groups supporting police defunding, may have contributed to Allred’s difficulty in appealing to moderate and conservative voters in Texas.

Implications for Future Texas Elections

Cruz’s victory over Allred, who previously defeated a long-term Republican incumbent in Dallas, underscores the ongoing challenge Democrats face in flipping Senate seats in traditionally Republican strongholds like Texas. Despite demographic shifts that have given Democrats hope in recent years, the party has not won a statewide race in Texas for 30 years.

Economic issues emerged as the top concern for Texas voters, followed by immigration and abortion. Cruz’s ability to address these concerns effectively, coupled with his established presence in Texas politics, contributed to his stronger performance against Allred compared to his previous race against Beto O’Rourke six years ago.

As Texas continues to be a key battleground in national politics, both parties will likely reassess their strategies for future elections in the Lone Star State. For now, Cruz’s victory affirms the enduring strength of the Republican Party in Texas and sets the stage for continued conservative representation in the U.S. Senate.