Colin Allred Launches 2026 Texas Senate Bid

Former U.S. Congressman and ex-NFL player Colin Allred has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Texas for the 2026 election, becoming the first major Democrat to enter the race. Allred's campaign focuses on lowering costs, fighting corruption, and tackling what he calls a rigged system disadvantaging Texans. Other Democrats, such as Beto O’Rourke and Joaquin Castro, are reportedly considering runs. The Republican primary is expected to be highly contentious, with incumbent Senator John Cornyn facing a challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton. Allred has criticized both Cornyn and Paxton as corrupt and plans to unveil an anti-corruption agenda as a central campaign theme. Recent polling indicates both Republican candidates have low favorability, and Allred leads Paxton in a hypothetical matchup.