Allred criticizes Cruz in campaign ad: ‘Texans deserve better representation’

Former NFL linebacker turned Democratic congressman, Colin Allred, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate race against Republican Senator Ted Cruz in 2024. The announcement came through a social media video released on Wednesday morning. Allred’s campaign speech criticized Cruz for spreading conspiracy theories that resulted in the attack on the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, 2021. Furthermore, the Democratic candidate called out Cruz for leaving his constituents to freeze during the record-breaking Winter storm while he jetted off to Cancun.

Allred shared his personal story of being raised by a single mother, who worked multiple jobs as a public school teacher to make ends meet. He praised his family, YMCA counselors, and coaches for keeping him on the right path and teaching him important values in life through his high school and university football experience. Allred highlighted how Cruz consistently puts himself first and works to divide rather than unite the people of Texas.

In his roughly three-minute video announcement, Allred stated, “We don’t have to be embarrassed by our senator. We can get a new one.” He added, “Some people say a Democrat can’t win in Texas. Well, someone like me was never supposed to get this far. I’ve taken down a lot tougher guys than Ted Cruz. So let’s get on the field and find out.”

Allred’s chances of winning the Democratic primaries for the Senate have been discussed. However, if he does win, he may face a bigger hurdle in unseating Cruz in a staunchly conservative Texas. In the 2018 Senate race, Beto O’Rourke came within three points of victory against Cruz. Regardless of many in the Democratic Party being excited to see Allred run, David Rausch, a political science professor, stated that winning will be extremely challenging. He explained that many Republicans will automatically disregard Allred, being from the Democratic party. Therefore, Allred will have to prove his worth to progressive Democrats to ensure their vote.

The race is expected to be tough, as Allred will need to introduce himself to other parts of the state, connect with Hispanic voters and work harder to prove himself to progressive Democrats who may view him as too conservative. However, Allred comes from the well-populated Dallas area, which boasts a sizable media market, and could provide an advantage in this regard. In contrast, Cruz’s campaign has brushed off Allred’s candidacy as that of a far-left radical that does not align with Texan values.

Gilberto Hinojosa, the Chairman of the Texas Democratic party, congratulated Allred in a statement, describing him as someone who fights for everyday Texans. Hinojosa called Cruz spineless and criticized his lack of leadership, which has repeatedly failed the working families of the state. The party claims they will remain neutral in the primaries but, if Allred were to win the nomination, Cruz may need to pack his bags for Cancun once again.

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