Colin Allred is set to challenge Ted Cruz for his Senate seat, his Journey From NFL Player to Senate Challenger in Texas

“For decades, the Democratic Party has sought to secure Texas Senate seats. Despite U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) maintaining his congressional seat since 2013, a promising Democratic contender aims to unseat him.

Colin Allred, a former linebacker for the Tennessee Titans, presently represents Texas’ 32nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives, covering a portion of Dallas. Following Tuesday’s primaries, Allred emerged victorious among several Democratic contenders, positioning himself to challenge Cruz in the 2024 election for a highly sought-after Senate seat in Texas.”

From NFL Player to Civil Rights Attorney: Where is Colin Allred from?

Colin Allred, a native of Dallas, has deep ties to his hometown, as highlighted in his political website’s biography. He attended Hillcrest High School and earned a full scholarship to Baylor University due to his athletic prowess.

According to his bio, despite being accepted to law school, Allred chose to defer his admission to pursue a career in the NFL. Raised by a single mother in Dallas, he played as a linebacker for five seasons before an injury ended his football career. This setback provided him with the opportunity to pursue his other passion: becoming a civil rights attorney.

Colin Allred’s Political Journey and Democratic Commitment

“Transitioning from his role as general counsel for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Colin Allred returned to Dallas before successfully securing a Democratic seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018. Throughout his political journey, he has remained steadfast in his Democratic affiliations.

Allred’s website underscores his alignment with key Democratic principles, advocating for accessible healthcare, fair wages for workers, and reforms in policing. The Texas Tribune notes his unwavering loyalty to the Democratic Party, highlighting his consistent voting record alongside then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during his tenure in the Democratic majority.”

Transition from Football to Politics

Following the conclusion of his football career due to an injury, Colin Allred pursued legal studies at the University of California in Berkeley. His professional journey led him to serve as general counsel for the Department of Housing and Urban Development under former Secretary Julian Castro.

In 2018, Allred ventured into politics, running for a U.S. Representative seat to represent his hometown of Dallas, Texas. His victory marked a significant milestone, as he was one of two Democrats to flip House seats from the Republican Party.

Now, Allred is poised to challenge long-time incumbent Ted Cruz in a bid to shift the balance of power in Texas’s Senate representation away from the Republican Party.

Texas Senate Dynamics: Allred Challenges Cruz for Historic Seat

“Colin Allred is gearing up to challenge the incumbent, Ted Cruz, who has held his Senate office since 2012. Their electoral showdown will determine the fate of one of Texas’s coveted Senate seats. Meanwhile, the other Senate seat, currently occupied by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), is set to remain under Republican control until at least 2026, when it will be up for election.

The significance of Allred’s bid lies in the historical context of the Senate seat he is vying for. Since 1993, it has consistently been in the hands of the Republican Party. This streak began when Kay Bailey Hutchinson managed to flip the seat from the Democratic Party, solidifying GOP dominance in Texas politics.”