Another Try for Texas as Colin Allred Launches 2026 Campaign

Former Texas congressman Colin Allred is once again running for the U.S. Senate, hoping to make history in a state where Democrats have not won statewide office in 30 years.

On Tuesday, Allred announced his candidacy for the seat held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn. This comes only seven months after Allred’s high-profile but unsuccessful challenge against Sen. Ted Cruz. That race became one of the most expensive Senate campaigns in the country, with Democrats spending more than $130 million trying to defeat Cruz. In the end, Allred lost by nearly nine percentage points.

In a video launching his new campaign, Allred said he understands that many Texans are frustrated by politics but believes real change is possible. “I get it. Real change might feel impossible,” he said. “But I’m not giving up.”

Cornyn is facing a strong primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a well-known ally of former President Donald Trump. Their Republican primary could become one of the most heated contests in years. Trump has praised both Cornyn and Paxton but has not yet decided which candidate to endorse, adding uncertainty to the race.

Allred, who played four seasons in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans before becoming a lawyer, first entered politics by flipping a Republican-held congressional seat in Dallas in 2018. In his last Senate campaign, he focused heavily on protecting abortion rights after Texas passed one of the nation’s strictest bans. He gained support from women who faced dangerous pregnancies because of the law.

However, some Democrats criticized Allred’s approach, saying he should have spent more time visiting small towns and border communities where Republicans have recently made gains.

This time, Allred could face even more competition. Former Democratic congressman Beto O’Rourke, who nearly defeated Cruz in 2018, has not ruled out joining the race. In addition, former NASA astronaut Terry Virts announced he will also run as a Democrat, creating a crowded primary field.

As Republicans fight among themselves and Democrats search for a winning formula, Allred hopes his persistence will finally deliver a breakthrough for his party in Texas. Whether he can succeed remains to be seen, but he is prepared to try again.