Colin Allred acknowledges Jasmine Crockett’s role in halting his Senate campaign

Allred Exits Senate Race as Crockett Enters

Colin Allred, a former Texas representative, shared with CNN on Monday that Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s decision to run for Senate influenced his choice to withdraw from the race.

Just hours before it was official that Crockett had filed her Senate candidacy, Allred announced he would step back from the Senate race and pursue a House seat in Texas’ newly reconfigured 33rd Congressional District.

When asked by CNN’s Dana Bash if reports of Crockett’s Senate aspirations impacted his decision, Allred responded affirmatively. He stated, “Yes, of course I am. Listen, Jasmine is a friend of mine, we’ve both served on the council together, and I’ve known her since before we were both elected.” He noted the challenge of multiple strong candidates, which made a runoff likely.

“I felt that that wasn’t in the interest of people who were coming to me with their stories,” Allred reflected. He emphasized his intent to approach public service with humility, trying to set aside personal ambitions.

Bash pressed Allred about his conversation with Crockett prior to deciding to support her Senate bid. Allred replied, “I can’t say I think that way. It was a professional and friendly conversation. At a time when so much is at stake, I need to think about what’s best for the state and the party.”

Meanwhile, Democratic state Rep. James Talarico expressed his welcome to Crockett’s entry into the race and affirmed his intent to continue his own campaign.