Democrats are pulling out all the stops in a last-minute effort to secure a victory in the Texas Senate race, a crucial battleground in their bid to retain control of the chamber. With the odds stacked against them, the party is making significant investments to boost their candidate, Rep. Colin Allred, in his bid to unseat GOP incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz.
The Senate Majority PAC, aligned with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, recently announced a $5 million ad investment in Texas, adding to the $13 million that the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has already spent on television advertising. With less than two weeks left until Election Day, the party is leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to flip the seat.
Recent polling has shown Allred within striking distance of Cruz, igniting hope among Democrats that Texas could be the key to maintaining their majority in the Senate. Some party members have expressed concern that the national party has not provided enough support to capitalize on this historic opportunity to turn Texas blue.
Despite Allred’s impressive fundraising efforts, amassing over $80 million to date, the sheer size and expense of campaigning in Texas pose significant challenges. The state’s vast media markets and sprawling geography make voter turnout efforts difficult to coordinate, requiring a substantial investment of resources.
However, some Texas Democrats have criticized national party officials for only seeking financial contributions from the state without reciprocating support in return. They argue that Texas has the potential to become a Democratic stronghold if the party commits to investing in grassroots efforts and building a strong presence in the state.
The DSCC has defended its investment in Texas, stating that it has made the largest ever financial commitment to the state in an effort to seize this strategic opportunity. Allred’s campaign has also emphasized their partnership with the DSCC and their preparedness to win the race.
In addition to the immediate goal of winning the Senate seat, Democrats are also eyeing the 2026 election, where incumbent Sen. John Cornyn will be up for reelection. Cruz is viewed as a more vulnerable target than Cornyn, setting the stage for a potentially competitive race in the future.
Despite Republican confidence in maintaining the seat, Democrats remain determined to make a strong push in Texas. Republican Senatorial Committee spokesperson Philip Letsou criticized Allred for campaigning with Vice President Kamala Harris, warning that their policies would turn Texas into California if given the chance.
As the race enters its final stretch, the outcome remains uncertain. Democrats are banking on Texas to deliver a significant victory that could shape the future of the Senate and solidify their presence in the state for years to come.