Texas State Rep. Carl Sherman joins growing list of Democrats aiming at Sen. Ted Cruz for 2024 elections.

State Representative Carl Sherman, a Democrat from DeSoto, Texas, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, joining the growing list of challengers to Republican Senator Ted Cruz. Sherman, who also serves as a pastor, emphasized the need for higher salaries for police officers and improved healthcare access in rural areas of the state. In his campaign launch statement, he asserted the importance of a senator who will advocate for the welfare of all Texans, including children, families, small-business owners, and the working class, by fostering job opportunities with good pay.

Sherman enters a primary race that already features two prominent Democrats: U.S. Representative Colin Allred from Dallas and State Senator Roland Gutierrez from San Antonio. Additionally, Nueces County District Attorney Mark Gonzalez recently resigned to participate in the primary as well. Having been elected as a representative for House District 109 in 2018, Sherman brings governmental experience to the table, having previously served as mayor of DeSoto. Currently, he holds the position of senior pastor at the Church of Christ in Hutchins.

While Allred and Gutierrez announced their campaigns earlier, Sherman remains undeterred by his late entry into the race. Addressing concerns about timing, Sherman expressed his conviction that it is never too late to answer one’s calling, particularly if it is divinely inspired. His determination is evident, as he seeks to overcome the fundraising prowess displayed by Allred, who managed to accumulate an impressive $6.2 million within his first two months of campaigning.

Should Sherman secure the Democratic nomination, he will challenge Cruz, who is aiming for a third term in the Senate. While Cruz experienced a closely contested re-election race in 2018, Democrats have not claimed a statewide office in Texas since 1994, highlighting the significant challenge Sherman and his fellow candidates face. However, Sherman’s U.S. Senate bid necessitates his resignation from his current position representing Texas House District 109. Consequently, Aicha Davis, a Democratic member of the State Board of Education, has announced her intention to run for Sherman’s vacated seat in the state House.

The political landscape in Texas continues to evolve with Sherman’s entry into the race, demonstrating the vitality of democracy and the diverse range of voices seeking to shape policy and governance. This article was originally published in The Texas Tribune, a dependable and nonpartisan news source. To learn more about state politics and policy, visit texastribune.org.

William Melhado contributed to this story