Allred ends Senate bid but will run for House as Texas Democrats reset the board

By David Wright, CNN

(CNN) — Former Texas Democratic Rep. Colin Allred announced Monday that he was ending his Senate campaign and would instead run to once again represent the Lone Star State in Congress.

Allred’s decision comes amid several new developments in Texas that have changed the political calculus heading into next year’s midterm elections. That includes Texas Republicans’ unprecedented mid-decade redistricting this summer that has upended the House map.

Over the weekend, Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett signaled that she was considering entering the contest, saying that she could make a decision as soon as today. CNN previously reported that Crockett asked Allred to drop out of the race and has cited a poll in some conversations that shows her in strong shape.

Allred acknowledged that he had spoken with Crockett, whom he called “a friend,” about the race, saying it was “a professional, friendly conversation.”

“I needed to try and decide what I thought would be best for the state, for the party in a time and in a year where there is so much at stake,” he said.

Texas State Sen. James Talarico, who elevated his profile during clashes over the Republican redistricting effort this summer, joined the race months after Allred and has quickly topped Allred’s fundraising numbers.

If Crockett were to join the Senate race and Allred stayed in it, that would leave three viable contenders in the Democratic primary, increasing the likelihood that no candidate would win a majority in March and a runoff in May would be required.

“To me, going through a bruising primary, and in Texas, we have a runoff – and we would certainly have a runoff in this case – was not in the best interest of the state or the party,” Allred told CNN on Monday.

Allred launched his Senate campaign in July after running unsuccessfully in 2024 against the state’s other Republican senator, Ted Cruz.

Allred will now run for Texas’ redrawn 33rd Congressional District, setting up a competitive primary against Rep. Julie Johnson, who plans to move from the 32nd district.

“This new district deserves representation that has been present in the tough moments, including throughout the redistricting fight, instead of parachuting back when another campaign doesn’t work out,” Johnson said in a statement. “Families here are dealing with rising costs, housing pressures, and real economic strain. They deserve someone with a strong record in Democratic collaboration and support.”

Rep. Joaquin Castro, who was involved in discussions about running for Texas attorney general but chose to seek reelection, said Crockett should run for Senate “if that’s where her heart is and that’s where her mind is.”

“Jasmine is a fighter, she’s an incredibly dynamic person,” Castro told CNN’s “The Situation Room.” “She’s got a message that’s resonating, not only with the Democratic base, but I think with Americans across the country.”

This story has been updated with additional information.

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