Key Takeaways
- Former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred is ending his Senate campaign to run for Congress in Dallas County’s revamped District 33.
- Allred’s decision creates a primary clash with U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, who currently represents District 32.
- The new District 33 includes neighborhoods Allred once represented, and he touts his past accomplishments in the area, including bringing a Veterans Administration hospital to Garland and securing federal resources for affordable housing and healthcare.
- Allred’s move is seen as a strategic decision to avoid a long and brutal primary and runoff in the Senate contest, which now includes U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico.
- The March 3 primaries will feature a crowded Republican Senate race, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, and incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.
Introduction to the Senate Campaign
The U.S. Senate campaign in Texas has taken a dramatic turn with the announcement that former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred is ending his bid for the Senate and instead running for Congress in Dallas County’s revamped District 33. This decision comes as U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas filed to join the Democratic Senate contest, which already includes state Rep. James Talarico of Austin. Allred’s move is seen as a strategic decision to avoid a long and brutal primary and runoff, which he believes would not be in the best interest of the people or his supporters.
The Primary Clash
Allred’s decision to run for District 33 creates a primary clash with U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, who currently represents District 32. Johnson, who endorsed Talarico for Senate, criticized Allred for changing races, stating that the new district deserves representation that has been present in the tough moments, including throughout the redistricting fight. Johnson also highlighted her own record of democratic collaboration and support, which she believes makes her a stronger candidate for the district. Allred, on the other hand, touts his past accomplishments in the area, including bringing a Veterans Administration hospital to Garland and securing $135 million in federal resources for affordable housing, public transportation, and healthcare.
The Redistricting Factor
The redistricting process has played a significant role in Allred’s decision to run for District 33. The new district, which sheds all of Tarrant County, now includes neighborhoods Allred once represented. Allred believes that running in District 33 would be a continuation of his public service to the area, where he grew up attending public schools and watching his mom struggle to pay for groceries. He also believes that his experience and knowledge of the area make him a strong candidate for the district. U.S. Senate candidate and voting rights lawyer Colin Allred speaks at the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, at Greater St. Stephen First Church in Fort Worth.
The Need for Bipartisanship
Allred’s decision to run for Congress is also motivated by his desire to repair the institution, which he believes is broken and no longer functioning. He stresses the need for bipartisanship in Congress and believes that Democrats need to have a robust response to Republican efforts to draw Democrats out of congressional seats. Allred, a former NFL linebacker, believes that it’s time for Democrats to have all their best players on the field, and he is willing to go back to Congress to try to fix it. He said, "I’m going back with much more knowledge and the attitude that if you don’t like it, then fix it."
The Senate Contest
The Senate contest in Texas is becoming increasingly crowded, with Crockett and Talarico vying for the Democratic nomination. The March 3 primaries will also feature a crowded Republican Senate race, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, and incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. Allred’s decision to end his Senate campaign and run for Congress has added a new dynamic to the race, and it remains to be seen how the remainder of the filing period will unfold. Depending on how the remainder of the filing period unfolds, Crockett and Talarico could be in a sprint to the Senate nomination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the U.S. Senate campaign in Texas has taken a significant turn with Allred’s decision to end his bid and run for Congress in District 33. The primary clash between Allred and Johnson will be closely watched, and the outcome will have significant implications for the district. The need for bipartisanship in Congress and the redistricting factor have played significant roles in Allred’s decision, and it remains to be seen how the Senate contest will unfold. As the filing period comes to a close, Texans can expect a heated and competitive primary season, with several high-profile candidates vying for office.