INSIDER
Donald Trump and Ted Cruz scored big wins in Texas, but the president-elect outperformed the senator on his own turf
Read full article: Donald Trump and Ted Cruz scored big wins in Texas, but the president-elect outperformed the senator on his own turfCruz beat his challenger by 9 points, while Trump prevailed over his by 14 points. Still, Cruz performed better this year than he did in 2018
Texas Democrats underperformed yet again. Now what?
Read full article: Texas Democrats underperformed yet again. Now what?Tuesday was another electoral blowout in which Democrats underperformed expectations, weakening their case that Texas is a battleground state worthy of investment and attention from the national party.
Why AP called the Texas Senate race for Ted Cruz
Read full article: Why AP called the Texas Senate race for Ted CruzThe Associated Press declared that Republican Sen. Ted Cruz successfully defended his seat against Democratic Rep. Colin Allred based on the incumbent’s competitive showing in the state’s large population centers, bolstered by his overwhelming leads in more conservative rural areas across the state.
Election Day updates: South Texas continues dramatic shift toward Donald Trump, GOP
Read full article: Election Day updates: South Texas continues dramatic shift toward Donald Trump, GOPTexas might not be a swing state, but many of its races will have major consequences to the national political landscape and on the lives of everyday Texans.
Abortion, the economy, immigration and transgender rights: Voters across Texas explain their vote
Read full article: Abortion, the economy, immigration and transgender rights: Voters across Texas explain their voteTexans from across the state went to the polls early with plenty on their mind. The Texas Tribune partnered with other news organizations to hear from a diverse cross-section of voters.
Republican Ted Cruz of Texas wins a third term to the US Senate
Read full article: Republican Ted Cruz of Texas wins a third term to the US SenateRepublican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has won reelection in Texas to a third term after a campaign in which he criticized his Democratic challenger as too liberal.
In final days of Senate race, Cruz courts Latino voters along the border and Allred rallies in his hometown
Read full article: In final days of Senate race, Cruz courts Latino voters along the border and Allred rallies in his hometownBoth candidates are making their closing arguments at the culmination of a heated and expensive race which could decide control of the U.S. Senate.
Ted Cruz, Colin Allred make spirited final pitches to Texas voters in Senate race
Read full article: Ted Cruz, Colin Allred make spirited final pitches to Texas voters in Senate raceRepublican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic Rep. Colin Allred are making their final pitches to Texas voters at campaign stops across the state as Election Day nears.
Colin Allred courts Black voters in the final days of his bid to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz
Read full article: Colin Allred courts Black voters in the final days of his bid to unseat Sen. Ted CruzWith stops in Houston and the Rio Grande Valley, Allred hopes to make the race competitive by running up the tally with the core of the Democratic base.
In complaint, Ted Cruz says Democrats broke campaign finance laws to help Colin Allred
Read full article: In complaint, Ted Cruz says Democrats broke campaign finance laws to help Colin AllredCruz alleged that national Democrats illegally exceeded contribution limits when it spent more than $10 million for television ads in Texas benefiting Allred campaign.
In final days of Senate race, Colin Allred bests Beto O’Rourke’s 2018 senate fundraising record
Read full article: In final days of Senate race, Colin Allred bests Beto O’Rourke’s 2018 senate fundraising recordColin Allred also continues to out raise Ted Cruz bringing in over $11.8 million in the first 16 days of October. Cruz raised $9.9 million in the same period.
Analysis: 4 reasons Kamala Harris is coming to Houston
Read full article: Analysis: 4 reasons Kamala Harris is coming to HoustonVice President Kamala Harris is making a significant visit to Houston on Friday. It’s a trip that underscores several critical political dynamics and strategies as election day nears.
Beyoncé endorses Kamala Harris while Donald Trump vows border crackdown in dueling Texas stops
Read full article: Beyoncé endorses Kamala Harris while Donald Trump vows border crackdown in dueling Texas stopsHarris talked about reproductive rights to a stadium full of supporters in Houston. In Austin, Trump stumped to supporters and reporters at a private jet terminal and appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast.
Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate race
Read full article: Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate raceDemocrats backing Rep. Colin Allred’s bid to defeat Texas Sen. Ted Cruz are investing $5 million in an ad campaign focused on abortion.
Former President Donald Trump holds campaign rally in Austin on Friday
Read full article: Former President Donald Trump holds campaign rally in Austin on FridayAs the 2024 U.S. presidential race heads into the final stretch, the Republican nominee announced Wednesday that he will be in Texas on the same day this week as his Democratic challenger.
Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate race
Read full article: Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate raceDemocrats backing Rep. Colin Allred’s bid to defeat Texas Sen. Ted Cruz are investing $5 million in an ad campaign focused on abortion.
Colin Allred, Ted Cruz blast each other as “extreme,” throw jabs on border and abortion in Senate debate
Read full article: Colin Allred, Ted Cruz blast each other as “extreme,” throw jabs on border and abortion in Senate debateThe debate proved combative from start to finish, with Cruz and Allred trading barbs on nearly every issue that came up.
Ted Cruz and Colin Allred wage another big US Senate fight in Texas
Read full article: Ted Cruz and Colin Allred wage another big US Senate fight in TexasRepublicans have a stranglehold on every statewide elected office in Texas and control the state Supreme Court, both chambers of the Legislature and both U.S. Senate seats.
Colin Allred raises $30 million in third quarter of 2024, outpacing Ted Cruz
Read full article: Colin Allred raises $30 million in third quarter of 2024, outpacing Ted CruzThe staggering fundraising numbers mean that Cruz and Allred have collectively raised at least $132 million, surpassing the final combined haul from 2018.
Supreme Court declines Biden's appeal in Texas emergency abortion case
Read full article: Supreme Court declines Biden's appeal in Texas emergency abortion caseThe Supreme Court decided Monday that a court order finding Texas hospitals cannot federally be required to provide pregnancy terminations when they violate a state abortion ban will stay for now.
Abortion, private school vouchers and legislative control are the key issues in Texas’ 2024 election
Read full article: Abortion, private school vouchers and legislative control are the key issues in Texas’ 2024 electionTexan voters will have significant influence in November, both within and outside the state. They will be electing a U.S. senator, 38 U.S. House members, 150 state House members, as well as various judges and local elected officials. Additionally, they will have influence over important questions.
Bernie Sanders tells Texas progressives to back Harris, says Allred win would “make all the difference”
Read full article: Bernie Sanders tells Texas progressives to back Harris, says Allred win would “make all the difference”Joining Sanders as he campaigns up and down the I-35 corridor are Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Greg Casar, and former El Paso congressman Beto O’Rourke.
Senate Democrats boost Colin Allred’s bid against Ted Cruz with multimillion dollar investment
Read full article: Senate Democrats boost Colin Allred’s bid against Ted Cruz with multimillion dollar investmentThe late-cycle investment signals the party is taking Texas seriously — a shift from past cycles.
National Dems target Texas, but focus remains on protecting Senate incumbents
Read full article: National Dems target Texas, but focus remains on protecting Senate incumbentsU.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, is challenging Sen. Ted Cruz this November, but the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee has vulnerable incumbents to defend first.
Colin Allred responds to comparisons with Beto O’Rourke’s campaign, defends his strategy
Read full article: Colin Allred responds to comparisons with Beto O’Rourke’s campaign, defends his strategyAllred has run a more traditional campaign in his bid to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, focusing on targeted ads and moderate policy.
Liz Cheney says Dick Cheney will vote for Kamala Harris, and she will support Democrat Colin Allred in Texas Senate race
Read full article: Liz Cheney says Dick Cheney will vote for Kamala Harris, and she will support Democrat Colin Allred in Texas Senate raceLiz Cheney endorsed Allred at The Texas Tribune Festival Friday.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce backs Ted Cruz for Senate over Colin Allred
Read full article: U.S. Chamber of Commerce backs Ted Cruz for Senate over Colin AllredAllred, who had previously gotten the Chamber’s endorsement in his House races, had long used the endorsement as proof of his bipartisan credentials.
Colin Allred’s understated campaign strategy draws mixed reviews from fellow Democrats
Read full article: Colin Allred’s understated campaign strategy draws mixed reviews from fellow DemocratsAllred’s sharp divergence from Beto O’Rourke’s more active campaign style has stirred dissent among some Democrats. His allies say it’s working.
Colin Allred urges voters to back Kamala Harris at Democratic National Convention
Read full article: Colin Allred urges voters to back Kamala Harris at Democratic National ConventionAllred has largely run his Senate race keeping his distance from Harris. On Thursday, before a national audience, he said he is proud to support her.
Ted Cruz touts endorsement from Kim Ogg, a Houston Democrat, in bid for crossover votes
Read full article: Ted Cruz touts endorsement from Kim Ogg, a Houston Democrat, in bid for crossover votesOgg is no darling of the left. She lost her Democratic primary in a landslide election this year after a number of intraparty feuds.
Colin Allred keeps Kamala Harris at arms length as he makes a play for the center
Read full article: Colin Allred keeps Kamala Harris at arms length as he makes a play for the centerU.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who is facing off against Allred in his reelection campaign, has worked to tie Allred to Harris’ political record.
Immigration is taking center stage in Texas’ Senate race. Here’s what Colin Allred’s and Ted Cruz’s records show.
Read full article: Immigration is taking center stage in Texas’ Senate race. Here’s what Colin Allred’s and Ted Cruz’s records show.Poll after poll shows Texas voters rank immigration and the border as the most pressing issues.
Colin Allred punts on whether he thinks Biden should continue reelection bid
Read full article: Colin Allred punts on whether he thinks Biden should continue reelection bidAllred, who is running for U.S. Senate against Ted Cruz, is one of only a few House Democrats from Texas who has yet to say whether they support the president’s reelection bid.
Texas Democrats try to unify against GOP “extremism” as their own challenges and strife persist
Read full article: Texas Democrats try to unify against GOP “extremism” as their own challenges and strife persistThe party faces internal tension over the Israel-Hamas war and Biden’s new immigration policy heading into November.
After overlooking O’Rourke, national Democrats show early confidence in Allred
Read full article: After overlooking O’Rourke, national Democrats show early confidence in AllredSix years after Beto O’Rourke nearly toppled Ted Cruz, Democrats outside Texas are expressing confidence in Colin Allred’s 2024 challenge.
Colin Allred’s fundraising for U.S. Senate race surpasses O’Rourke’s early 2018 pace
Read full article: Colin Allred’s fundraising for U.S. Senate race surpasses O’Rourke’s early 2018 paceU.S. Rep. Colin Allred raised over $9.5 million for his U.S. Senate campaign this quarter, surpassing Beto O’Rourke’s 2018 first quarter sum of $6.7 million.
Democrats lean into border security as it shapes contest for control of Congress
Read full article: Democrats lean into border security as it shapes contest for control of CongressDemocrats are trying to outflank Republicans and convince voters they can address problems at the U.S. border with Mexico as immigration has become a major issue in elections that will decide control of Congress.
U.S. Rep. Colin Allred voted for TikTok ban despite continuing to use the app
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Colin Allred voted for TikTok ban despite continuing to use the appAllred is the delegation’s most prolific user of the app. He said he voted for the legislation because of national security concerns.
Democratic State Rep. Julie Johnson wins congressional primary race for North Texas seat
Read full article: Democratic State Rep. Julie Johnson wins congressional primary race for North Texas seatJohnson narrowly avoided a runoff to replace U.S. Rep. Colin Allred. Brian Williams, who was in second place, has conceded.
State Rep. Julie Johnson and trauma surgeon Brian Williams lead pack to succeed U.S. Rep. Colin Allred
Read full article: State Rep. Julie Johnson and trauma surgeon Brian Williams lead pack to succeed U.S. Rep. Colin AllredAs Allred vies to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a crowded field of 10 Democrats is lining up to replace him.
Democrats Colin Allred, Roland Gutierrez show contrasts during U.S. Senate primary debate
Read full article: Democrats Colin Allred, Roland Gutierrez show contrasts during U.S. Senate primary debateDuring potentially their only primary debate, Gutierrez suggested Allred was pandering to Republicans, while Allred defended his bipartisanship as necessary to winning in GOP-dominated Texas.
Colin Allred looks to protect advantages in crowded race to challenge U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz
Read full article: Colin Allred looks to protect advantages in crowded race to challenge U.S. Sen. Ted CruzState Sen. Roland Gutierrez, who is trailing Allred in money and polls, is positioning himself as the chief progressive in the race.
U.S. Rep. Colin Allred joins Republicans to condemn Biden’s handling of border
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Colin Allred joins Republicans to condemn Biden’s handling of borderState Sen. Roland Gutierrez blasted Allred for the vote. Gutierrez and Allred are running for the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.
Who is Pete Sessions and why is he running for House Speaker?
Read full article: Who is Pete Sessions and why is he running for House Speaker?Sessions is the longest-serving representative running to become U.S. House Speaker. He previously led the House Republican campaign arm through a record-breaking victory, but he still faces a steep battle to secure the gavel.
After fighting for Uvalde residents, Roland Gutierrez struggles to break through crowded field to challenge Ted Cruz
Read full article: After fighting for Uvalde residents, Roland Gutierrez struggles to break through crowded field to challenge Ted CruzThe Democrat has dedicated significant energy to probing law enforcement’s response to the Uvalde school shooting. But he faces a fundraising deficit against U.S. Rep. Colin Allred of Dallas.
U.S. Rep. Colin Allred raises $4.7 million in third quarter of U.S. Senate campaign
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Colin Allred raises $4.7 million in third quarter of U.S. Senate campaignThe Dallas congressman collected the sum over the last three months, continuing to show he could be Cruz’s biggest financial threat in the Democratic primary.
Two Texas Democrats detail how they hope to topple U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz
Read full article: Two Texas Democrats detail how they hope to topple U.S. Sen. Ted CruzU.S. Rep. Colin Allred and state Sen. Roland Gutierrez, who will meet in the 2024 Democratic primary, talked about gun laws, abortion and bipartisanship in separate Texas Tribune Festival panels.
State Rep. Rhetta Bowers latest to join race for Colin Allred’s U.S. House seat
Read full article: State Rep. Rhetta Bowers latest to join race for Colin Allred’s U.S. House seatAt least 10 other Democrats — including state Rep. Julie Johnson, D-Farmers Branch — are running for Allred’s solidly Democratic seat as he vies for U.S. Senate.
Democrats Colin Allred, Roland Gutierrez draw distinctions on key issues as they target Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024
Read full article: Democrats Colin Allred, Roland Gutierrez draw distinctions on key issues as they target Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024Heading into the primary, the U.S. House member and state senator answer questions on guns, the border, abortion and other parts of their platforms.
Texans in Congress take bipartisan path to boost semiconductors, a crucial industry to the state
Read full article: Texans in Congress take bipartisan path to boost semiconductors, a crucial industry to the stateRepublicans like Sen. Ted Cruz and Democrats like Rep. Colin Allred — opponents in the 2024 election — propose streamlining environmental reviews to promote investment and expansion by chipmakers.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz raises $4.4 million in second quarter as he seeks reelection
Read full article: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz raises $4.4 million in second quarter as he seeks reelectionThe Republican’s haul fell short of the money raised by Rep. Colin Allred, a Democratic opponent who collected $6.2 million in a shorter period — but Cruz prevailed in the 2018 election despite getting outraised then.
Following Uvalde shooting, Democrat Roland Gutierrez becomes Ted Cruz's latest challenger
Read full article: Following Uvalde shooting, Democrat Roland Gutierrez becomes Ted Cruz's latest challengerRepublican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has drawn another Democratic challenger in the 2024 U.S. Senate race.
Texas Sen. Roland Gutierrez enters Democratic primary targeting U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024
Read full article: Texas Sen. Roland Gutierrez enters Democratic primary targeting U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024Known for pushing gun restrictions after the Uvalde school shooting in his district, Gutierrez will vie for the opportunity to take on Republican Cruz in the general election. U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, is already running in the primary.
U.S. Rep. Colin Allred raises $6.2 million in first 2 months of Senate race
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Colin Allred raises $6.2 million in first 2 months of Senate raceAllred also transferred $2.4 million from his House campaign account, giving him $8.6 million in total receipts through the end of June.
State Rep. Julie Johnson announces she is running for U.S. Rep. Colin Allred’s seat
Read full article: State Rep. Julie Johnson announces she is running for U.S. Rep. Colin Allred’s seatJohnson, first elected to the Texas House in 2018, joins a crowded primary to succeed Allred, who is giving up his solidly Democratic seat to run against U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz next year.
TribCast: Can Texas’ political leaders stop their bickering for the legislative homestretch?
Read full article: TribCast: Can Texas’ political leaders stop their bickering for the legislative homestretch?In this week’s episode, we discuss the final three weeks of the Legislature and Colin Allred’s bid for U.S. Senate.
Dallas Democrat Colin Allred announces 2024 challenge to Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz
Read full article: Dallas Democrat Colin Allred announces 2024 challenge to Republican U.S. Sen. Ted CruzAllred was first elected to Congress in 2018 and quickly became a rising Democratic star. Cruz is Texas’ junior senator and unsuccessfully sought the GOP presidential nomination in 2016.
Why Ted Cruz’s next reelection path looks smoother with Beto O’Rourke behind him
Read full article: Why Ted Cruz’s next reelection path looks smoother with Beto O’Rourke behind himU.S. Sen. Ted Cruz will be up for reelection next year, now a seasoned senator and established conservative leader. But Democrats are still holding out hope they can repeat the sensation of Beto-mania.
Dallas, El Paso veterans’ facilities will get $442 million in upgrades
Read full article: Dallas, El Paso veterans’ facilities will get $442 million in upgradesThe funds will help expand the Dallas facility into a long-term spinal cord injury treatment center and pay for a new health care facility in El Paso.
New Texas voting laws, political maps could once again require federal approval under U.S. House bill named after John Lewis
Read full article: New Texas voting laws, political maps could once again require federal approval under U.S. House bill named after John LewisThe federal bill seeks to reinstate sections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that were written to protect people of color. Texas House Democrats see it as a way to prevent implementing provisions of a Texas voting restrictions bill moving through the state Legislature.
Colin Allred is the first known member of Congress to take paid paternity leave. Now he's pushing for it nationally.
Read full article: Colin Allred is the first known member of Congress to take paid paternity leave. Now he's pushing for it nationally.With COVID-19 making paid parental leave even more critical, the Dallas Democrat is helping lead the move to change federal policy for fathers as well as mothers.
“Find a place to hide or seek cover”: A harrowing day at the U.S. Capitol for Texans in Congress
Read full article: “Find a place to hide or seek cover”: A harrowing day at the U.S. Capitol for Texans in CongressDownstairs, off the House floor, U.S. Rep. Sylvia R. Garcia, D-Houston, was in the ladies room and oblivious to the escalation. A Capitol Police Officer pulled her out of her restroom stall and directed her back to the House floor. House members attempted to resume the proceedings but were continually interrupted by Capitol Police. And a woman was shot and killed trying to get into the House floor. He called out the Republican members who said they would object.
Democrats overwhelm Republicans in latest fundraising period for Texas' hottest U.S. House races
Read full article: Democrats overwhelm Republicans in latest fundraising period for Texas' hottest U.S. House racesBut the Democratic fundraising shows serious momentum as the national party reaches the finale of its drive to make Texas the top congressional battleground nationwide this November. At least five of the 12 races being targeted by both have drawn millions of dollars in outside spending by national groups such as the DCCC; the National Republican Congressional Committee; House Majority PAC, which supports Democrats; and Congressional Leadership Fund, which backs Republicans. The biggest disparity was between Roy and his Democratic foe, Wendy Davis, who more than doubled his fundraising, $3.5 million to $1.6 million. Regardless of candidate-to-candidate comparisons, though, the latest filings showed a staggering wave of money is pouring in to the races. Allred ended the period with more money in the bank, $1.7 million to Collins’ $1 million.
‘Winning Texas is possible’: Jill Biden rallies supporters in Houston on first day of early voting
Read full article: ‘Winning Texas is possible’: Jill Biden rallies supporters in Houston on first day of early votingA poll by the University of Texas and the Texas Tribune published last week found that President Donald Trump holds a five-point lead over former Vice President Joe Biden. Jill Biden, former second lady and wife of the former vice president, stumped in El Paso, Dallas and Houston on Tuesday -- the first day of early voting in Texas. At the drive-in rally in Houston, supporters used their horns to cheer on Jill Biden as she talked about her husband’s vision for America and the importance of their votes. “For the first time in a long time, winning Texas is possible,” Jill Biden said. Early voting runs until Oct. 30.
What you need to know about Colin Allred and Victoria Neave, two of the DNCs rising stars
Read full article: What you need to know about Colin Allred and Victoria Neave, two of the DNCs rising starsU.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, and state Rep. Victoria Neave, D-Dallas. Two are Texans: U.S. Rep. Colin Allred and state Rep. Victoria Neave. He is one of two Texas U.S. House Democrats whom Republicans say they will target in the fall. She ousted Republican Kenneth Sheets by fewer than 900 votes in the states most expensive state House race in November 2016. Neaves former chief of staff, Rebecca Acua, a Texas Democratic operative who worked for Davis 2014 gubernatorial bid and for various members of the Legislature, was recently named Bidens Texas state director.
Texas was always key to Democrats 2020 congressional ambitions. Less than three months from Election Day, their confidence is growing.
Read full article: Texas was always key to Democrats 2020 congressional ambitions. Less than three months from Election Day, their confidence is growing.There are as many as nine congressional races in Texas that have the attention of at least one of the national parties. The DCCC, she added, is "very optimistic that we're going to make a lot of headway in Texas this year." "Texas Democrats nominated an unelectable slate of socialist extremists who are far out of step with voters," Bob Salera, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said in a statement for this story. As for the seven seats that national Democrats are working to flip, a general hierarchy has emerged around where they are most hopeful. "I have no interest in trying to align or differentiate myself from any national Democrats because ultimately it's about the people of this district."