Former Representative Colin Allred, a Democrat from Texas, announced on Monday that he is withdrawing from the Senate race in Texas.
This decision comes as speculation arises about progressive Representative Jasmine Crockett possibly entering the race later on Monday.
Allred expressed concern about potential “catastrophe” in the Senate Democratic primary and runoff elections, which he believes could make it challenging for Democrats to unite against the threats posed by Donald Trump and other Republican figures to the community and the Constitution. As a result, he stated, “I have made the difficult decision to end my campaign for the United States Senate.”
Instead, he plans to run in Texas’ newly redrawn 33rd Congressional District, which is currently held by Representative Mark Veasey. It’s uncertain where Veasey will seek re-election in 2026, but Allred is anticipated to face off against current Representative Julie Johnson in the primary. Johnson is adjusting his district within the newly redistricted 33rd District, which will mainly comprise Dallas County while excluding parts of Tarrant County.
Allred shared that the 33rd District has been impacted significantly by redistricting efforts, which he links to President Trump, and reflects on his personal connection to the area, stating he attended public school there and witnessed his mother struggle to afford groceries.
A former standout football player at Baylor University, Allred played linebacker with the Tennessee Titans in the NFL before turning to law as a civil rights attorney. He first won a congressional seat in 2018, flipping a previous Republican stronghold, and successfully retained his position in Dallas during the elections of 2020 and 2022.
Initially aiming to unseat Senator Ted Cruz in the 2024 race, Allred faced difficulties as he witnessed a rising competitor, Texas State Representative James Talarico, enter the Senate race this past September.
According to reports, Crockett is now expected to announce her own Senate candidacy on Monday at 5:30 p.m. ET after grappling with a tough decision brought on by the Republican-led redistricting of Texas congressional maps.
Crockett, currently serving her second term in the U.S. House, has gained recognition for her progressive views, particularly on social media and during hearings in the House Oversight Committee, which has given her a notable presence within the Democratic Party.
On the Republican side, a competitive three-way primary is unfolding, featuring incumbent Senator John Cornyn and challengers Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt.
