Former Representative Colin Allred announced that he is ending his U.S. Senate campaign in Texas and will instead run for Congress in the newly‑redrawn District 33.
Allred’s Shift and Its Timing
Allred’s decision came on Monday, the final day of qualifying for the March primary. He stated that he wanted to avoid “a bruising Senate primary and runoff” that could threaten Democrats’ chances in the general election. Instead, he will seek the House seat in the Dallas‑Fort Worth area that he previously represented from 2019 to 2025 before his 2024 Senate nomination and subsequent loss to Senator Ted Cruz.
Implications for the Democratic Field
The move clears the way for Rep. Jasmine Crockett to become the early favorite for the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat currently held by Republican John Cornyn. Crockett will officially announce her candidacy on Monday as well. Allred’s withdrawal also leaves open the possibility that Pastor Frederick Haynes is ready to run for the seat Crockett now holds, further reshaping the Democratic lineup.
Republican Primary Preview
Republicans anticipate a contested primary featuring incumbent John Cornyn, state Attorney General Ken Paxton, and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt. Allred warned that an internal party battle would prevent Democrats from presenting a united front against what he described as “the danger posed to our communities and our Constitution by Donald Trump and one of his Republican bootlickers.”
Texas’ Strategic Importance
Democrats need a net gain of four Senate seats to wrest control from Republicans in next November’s elections. Texas, a state long dominated by Republicans, is seen as critical to that goal. Allred’s decision to shift to the House may help consolidate Democratic resources for the Senate race.
District 33 and Redistricting Context
District 33 is part of the new congressional map approved earlier this year by the GOP‑run Legislature as part of President Trump’s push to redraw House boundaries to Republican advantage. The district includes areas Allred represented in Congress, though most of it is currently represented by Rep. Marc Veasey, who plans to run in a neighboring district.
Election Calendar and Key Dates
The Texas primary is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The first date to request a ballot by mail is January 1, 2026, and the last day to register to vote in the primary is February 2, 2026. Early voting begins on February 17, 2026. Candidates who win the primary will either advance to a runoff on May 26, 2026, or, if they obtain more than 50% of the vote, secure the party nomination and move on to the midterm election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Colin Allred is dropping his Senate bid to pursue a House seat in District 33.
- Jasmine Crockett is poised to become the Democratic Senate nominee for Texas.
- Republicans expect a hotly contested primary among Cornyn, Paxton, and Hunt.
The decision marks a significant realignment in Texas politics, as Democrats recalibrate their strategy to capture a Senate seat that could shift the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
Hi, I’m Cameron R. Hayes, the journalist, editor, and creator behind NewsOfFortWorth.com. I built this platform with a simple purpose — to deliver fast, clear, and trustworthy news that keeps Fort Worth informed and connected.
I’ve spent more than five years working in digital media, reporting on breaking news, local government, public safety, business growth, community events, and the real stories that shape life in Fort Worth. My goal has always been the same: to provide accurate, community-focused reporting that people can rely on every day.
