Colin Allred is challenging the infamous incumbent Senator Ted Cruz in this year’s election. Senator Cruz’s two terms in office have been mired by controversy, such as when Cruz read “Green Eggs and Ham” on the Senate floor during a 21-hour-long speech to prevent the funding of Obamacare or his steadfast support for Donald Trump, despite the insults he hurled at his wife during the 2016 Republican Primary.
Republicans are predicted to win the Senate this year. If this happens, a narrow Republican majority will control the Senate for two or more years. Election forecasts could still be proven wrong, however, especially as a potential upset lingers on the political stage in our Lone Star state: Cruz’s senate seat.
Cruz isn’t very well-liked, even among his own party. He’s an embarrassment to the state of Texas, and his policies are a detriment to its people and economy. For example, Cruz voted against the CHIPS Act that brought the semiconductor industry and thousands of jobs to Texas last year. He then claimed he was “enthusiastic” about the projects he voted ‘no’ on. Obamacare, which Cruz attempted to prevent from passing, has reduced the amount of Texans who were uninsured and helped nine in 10 Texans lower their insurance premiums.
Who is the man challenging this destructive, divisive and infamous senator? Colin Allred is a civil rights lawyer and a former NFL linebacker, with former positions in the Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Obama administration and in North Texas voter protection groups. He’s been representing Texas in the House of Representatives since he won in a political upset against 11-term incumbent Pete Sessions.
No better example shows the true dichotomy between the candidates than their actions on and following Jan. 6: Cruz helped orchestrate the attacks on the Capitol and hid in a supply closet during the event while Allred helped barricade the doors. Following that fateful day, Allred voted to impeach Trump for his role in the attack. Cruz voted against the indictment, allowing Trump to stay in office and run again in 2024.
Jan. 6 isn’t the only time Cruz has shown his cowardly, selfish side to the state of Texas. You might remember the snowstorm that crippled Texas in February 2022, leaving 246 Texans dead and 11 million Texans without power in record-low temperatures. While water infrastructure broke down and food disappeared from grocery shelves, Ted Cruz was spotted in the airport on his way to Cancún, Mexico, leaving his constituents for dead. At the same time, Allred passed out water and other essentials.
Allred is a young political upstart who’s had an exceptional career for his short time in Washington. His support for the Texan and American people is unquestionable. Personally, I cannot think of a better man to send to Washington to represent this state. He is certainly miles better than the spineless coward who is currently representing the people of Texas.
Even if you disagree with Allred’s policies, Cruz’s cowardice, unpatriotic behavior and embarrassing career should be enough of a reason to oust him from his seat. The state of Texas deserves a senator who helps the people of Texas, not puts them down and pits them against each other. As Allred has said, “We don’t have to be embarrassed by our senator. We can get a new one.”
