Texas Senator Ted Cruz has been re-elected by defeating Democrat Colin Allred, securing his third term in office. Allred was one of the Democrats’ biggest hopes to undermine Republican rule in Texas, so this campaign was heavily watched.
Long a Republican bastion, Texas has Since 1994, the GOP has won every statewide election in Texas, earning the state among the most consistently red states in the nation. Changing demographics have, however, empowered Democrats to see Texas as a future battlefield.
Former NFL linebacker turned congressperson Colin Allred has become a formidable opponent. He initially attracted notice in 2018 when he defeated Republican Pete Sessions to earn a House seat in a Dallas-based district. Allred gathered millions in campaign money and notable national support that year.
Allred concentrated his campaign on issues including abortion rights, criticizing Cruz for endorsing Texas’s six-week ban. In an effort to appeal to centrist voters and those worried about reproductive rights, he shared narratives of women impacted by the bill.
Another big problem is immigration. Allred aimed to flip the script by highlighting Border Patrol agents in his commercials and criticizing Cruz for rejecting a bipartisan border agreement. Cruz’s strategy, he said, does not adequately solve Texas’s immigration problems.
Cruz, on the other hand, connected Allred to the Biden presidency via his campaign. He attributed additional economic woes including inflation and border concerns on the Democrats. Cruz also expressed worries on transgender politics in sports, a topic that generated discussion throughout the campaign.
Cruz’s growing favor among Latino voters was one obvious shift in this race. Comparatively to just 35% in 2018, exit surveys revealed that 52% of Hispanic and Latino voters in Texas chose Cruz. Latino voters’ backing most certainly helped to confirm his win.
Allred’s campaign also highlighted Cruz’s divisive 2021 trip to Cancun amid a severe winter storm that left many Texans without power. This event made national news and became a target of criticism in Allred’s commercials meant to question Cruz’s dedication to his constituents.
It wasn’t enough even with Allred’s robust campaign and millions of dollars in support. Texas’s conservative tendencies proved ultimately too challenging for a Democrat. Republican strategist Matthew Bartlett noted on this challenge, saying that choosing a Democrat in Texas is still rather improbable.
Cruz had already closely contested another well-known Democrat, Beto O’Rourke, in 2018, defeating him. Still, this time he encountered a different terrain. Two key factors were his ties to Texas’ conservative ideals and the support he got from Latino voters.
The Truth and Courage PAC, which spent extra $23 million to increase Cruz’s prospects, also helped his campaign. Still, Cruz publicly voiced annoyance at some GOP leaders’ lack of financial backing, especially that of a PAC connected with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
This loss for Allred emphasizes for Democrats in Texas their continuous struggle. Though shifting demographics are driving changes, the state’s conservative heritage is firmly ingrained. Not enough was a bipartisan message and large advertising expenditure to persuade Texas voters.
Looking ahead, Cruz’s reelection guarantees his position as Texas’s most eminent conservative voice. Cruz’s performance with Latino voters in this contest could influence his strategy in next elections and therefore enhance his position in Texas politics.
Allred’s loss implies to Texas Democrats that although the road ahead is still challenging, demographic changes could eventually present chances. Right now, though, Texas is probably going to stay a consistently Republican state.