Texas Democrat who lost to Ted Cruz 8 months ago jumps into 2026 Senate race

Colin Allred, ex-NFL player and congressman, launched a Senate campaign against Sen. John Cornyn with promises to champion those who "play by the rules."

Then-Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, arrives at the U.S. Capitol for the last votes of the week on Thursday, April 20, 2023. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

"The truth is you shouldn’t have to have a son in the NFL to own a home," Allred said.

"Everything is backwards," he continued. "Folks who play by the rules and keep the faith just can’t seem to get ahead. But the folks who cut corners and cut deals — well, they’re doing just fine."

Allred pledged to run on an "anti-corruption plan."

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks during a watch party on election night, Nov. 5, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis in Houston. Cruz defeated Allred to retain his Senate seat. (LM Otero/AP)

Allred played four seasons in the NFL, all with the Tennessee Titans, after being undrafted out of Baylor University. He entered Congress by flipping a Republican district in Dallas in 2018.

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Former astronaut Terry Virts also entered the U.S. Senate race as a Democratic candidate.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-democrat-who-lost-ted-cruz-8-months-ago-jumps-2026-senate-race