Conservative firebrand Sen. Ted Cruz is stepping up his re-election efforts in Texas as he faces a bruising battle against Democratic challenger Rep. Colin Allred.
Cruz officially launched his 2024 campaign on Saturday in Houston, bolstered by strong fundraising numbers and grassroots support.
However, Allred has emerged as a serious threat, outraising Cruz in recent quarters and tying him in some polls.
Cruz Touts Fundraising Haul and Voter Outreach
Cruz’s campaign announced an impressive $9.7 million fundraising haul in the first quarter of 2024, nearly double what he raised in the previous quarter.
The senator’s war chest now stands at $15.1 million. Cruz’s team highlighted that this total includes funds raised for the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and the Republican Party of Texas (RPT) dedicated to his race.
“Senator Cruz is off to a very strong start this year as the momentum to get him across the finish line in November continues to increase across the entire Lone Star State,”
Said campaign spokesperson Nick Maddux. The campaign has already made over 1 million direct voter contacts and is on track to reach historic grassroots numbers.
Allred Poses Stiff Competition
However, Cruz faces a formidable opponent in Colin Allred, a former NFL player, civil rights attorney, and three-term congressman from Dallas.
Allred has raised over $21 million for his Senate bid so far, significantly more than Cruz. Some polls show the two candidates in a dead heat. Allred won the Democratic primary in a landslide on Tuesday, defeating his closest rival by over 40 points.
In his victory speech, Allred took aim at Cruz, saying “Cruz has had 12 years of pitting us against each other“ and vowing to be a unifying senator.
National Implications and Shifting Political Winds
The Texas race could have major implications for control of the Senate. Democrats currently hold a narrow 51-49 majority, but are largely playing defense in 2024.
Texas is seen as one of their best pickup opportunities. While Texas has long been a Republican stronghold, shifting demographics and strong performances by Democrats in recent cycles suggest the political winds may be changing.
In 2018, Cruz narrowly defeated Beto O’Rourke by less than 3 points in a race that gave Democrats new hope of flipping statewide offices.
Cruz Launches “Democrats for Cruz” while Allred Touts Bipartisanship
Recognizing the need to appeal to moderates, Cruz recently launched a “Democrats for Cruz” coalition aimed at attracting crossover support.
He has also been highlighting his bipartisan legislative record and relationships with Democratic colleagues.
Meanwhile, Allred is running as a bipartisan problem-solver, pointing to his support from both labor unions and business groups.
However, Cruz and his allies are working to tie Allred to President Biden, who remains unpopular in Texas.
Big Money and Big Stakes
With Democrats viewing Cruz as vulnerable, and Republicans determined not to let Texas become a battleground, the race is shaping up to be one of the most expensive Senate contests in the country.
Outside groups on both sides are gearing up to spend big.
“Club for Growth Action has been strongly behind Sen. Ted Cruz since he was first elected, and we plan to spend 8 figures in his race against Biden’s MVP Rep. Colin Allred,”
Said David McIntosh, president of the conservative Club for Growth.
As Cruz and Allred battle it out in the Lone Star State, the nation will be watching this Texas showdown, with control of the Senate potentially hanging in the balance. The election will be held on November 5, 2024.
