Former NFL Linebacker and Civil Rights Lawyer Colin Allred Announces Challenge to Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024 Election

Rep. Colin Allred, a former NFL linebacker and civil rights lawyer, announced Wednesday that he will challenge Republican Sen. Ted Cruz for his seat in the 2024 election. Allred, a Democrat, is seen as the frontrunner in one of the few Senate pickup opportunities for Democrats in the upcoming election.

In his announcement video, Allred highlighted his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. He said he was “ready to take on anyone who came through that door,” while Cruz “cheered on the mob” and “hid in a supply closet.” Allred also sought to project a bipartisan image, highlighting his collaboration with Republicans on veterans’ issues, trade with Mexico and legislation dubbed the CHIPS Act that aims to spur domestic computer chip manufacturing.

Allred spoke of raising wages and lowering healthcare costs, and criticized Cruz for his role in helping former President Donald Trump’s attempts to reverse the 2020 election results and for traveling to Cancun as ice storms hit Texas. “We don’t have to be embarrassed by our senator,” Allred said. “We can get a new one.”

The broad Senate map is so tilted against Democrats in 2024 that Texas is seen as the party’s best opportunity to gain a seat. Allred’s announcement video has been viewed more than 1 million times, and he has already received endorsements from prominent Democrats, including former presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke. It remains to be seen whether Allred will be able to unseat Cruz, but his candidacy has already generated excitement among Democrats in Texas.