Colin Allred Ends Senate Bid, Will Run For Texas' Redrawn 33rd Congressional District

Former Democratic U.S. Representative Colin Allred announced Monday that he is ending his campaign for the U.S. Senate and will instead run to represent Texas in Congress again — this time in the state’s newly redrawn 33rd Congressional District.

Allred’s decision follows a series of political shifts in Texas that have reshaped the outlook for next year’s midterm elections, most notably an uncommon mid‑decade redistricting by Texas Republicans this summer that altered several House districts.

Over the weekend, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett indicated she was weighing a Senate run and reportedly told Allred she wanted him to step aside; CNN reported Crockett referenced a poll showing her in strong position when discussing the race. Allred confirmed he spoke with Crockett, whom he called “a friend,” and described their exchange as “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,” Allred said.

State Senator James Talarico — who raised his profile during clashes over the Republican redistricting effort — entered the Senate contest months after Allred and has since outpaced him in fundraising. Had Crockett joined the race while Allred remained a candidate, Democrats likely would have faced three credible contenders in the primary, increasing the odds no one would secure a majority in March and triggering a runoff in May.

“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 first launched his Senate campaign in July after losing his 2024 bid against Republican Sen. Ted Cruz. He now plans to seek election in Texas’ redrawn 33rd District, where he will likely face a competitive Democratic primary against Rep. Julie Johnson, who has said she will move from the 32nd District to run in the 33rd.

“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. “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 briefly considered running for Texas attorney general before deciding to seek reelection to Congress, encouraged Crockett to pursue the Senate if that is where she wants to be. “Jasmine is a fighter, she’s an incredibly dynamic person,” Castro said. “She’s got a message that’s resonating, not only with the Democratic base, but I think with Americans across the country.”

What To Watch

Allred’s move resets the Democratic map in Texas: a potentially heated primary in the 33rd, the possibility of a Crockett Senate bid, and continued attention on the effects of the mid‑decade redistricting. Fundraising, candidate announcements, and early polling will shape whether these contests lead to primaries that consolidate support or to runoffs that extend the nomination process into late spring.

Note: This article was updated with additional reporting and comments.