Colin Allred, a former NFL linebacker and Congressman, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate race in Texas, aiming to challenge Senator John Cornyn. This move comes just eight months after Allred lost to Ted Cruz in a fiercely contested election that saw over $130 million spent by Democrats to unseat the Republican. Allred’s campaign is marked by his anti-corruption stance and his criticism of the political establishment, which he claims is rigged against those who follow the rules. He described both Cornyn and Ken Paxton, the state’s Attorney General who is also in a race for the Senate, as corrupt and weak.
As part of his campaign, Allred shared the story of his personal journey, from being undrafted in the NFL to eventually turning pro and buying his mother a house. He emphasized that success should not be contingent on one’s background, stating, ‘Everything is backwards. Folks who play by the rules and keep the faith just can’t seem to get ahead.’ His message of integrity resonates with many voters who are frustrated with the current political landscape.
Reactions to Allred’s return to the Senate race have been mixed. Communications director for the Senate Leadership Fund, a top Republican super PAC, criticized Allred, labeling him as ‘an out of touch Washington, DC liberal’ who supported liberal policies such as open borders and the idea of biological men competing against girls in sports. The statement suggests that Texas voters have already rejected Allred’s views, yet he is determined to run again for the Senate seat. As the political landscape in Texas becomes increasingly complex, with multiple candidates from both parties entering the race, Allred’s campaign may set the stage for a highly contested Senate race in 2026.