Texas Democrats Face Critical Decision in U.S. Senate Primary
The race for the U.S. senatorial nomination in Texas is heating up as Democrats prepare for the March 5 primary. With nine candidates vying for the nomination, the key questions are whether a runoff will be needed to settle the race and who is best positioned to challenge Republican incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz.
State Sen. Roland Gutierrez of San Antonio, known for his progressive stance, is hoping to rally the Democratic Party’s liberal base with his low-budget, travel-heavy campaign. On the other hand, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred of Dallas, backed by significant fundraising and support from the national Democratic establishment, aims to secure a majority of Democratic voters.
A recent poll by the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas shows Allred leading the pack with 52% support among Democratic respondents, compared to Gutierrez’s 14%. However, both Democrats trail behind Cruz in head-to-head matchups.
Allred, a former NFL linebacker turned civil rights attorney, is focusing his campaign efforts on targeting Cruz, while Gutierrez emphasizes personal connections and grassroots campaigning. The primary campaign has seen Allred investing in TV and digital ads, while Gutierrez has been on an extended road trip across the state.
As the primary election approaches, the Democratic candidates are working to solidify their support among voters. While Allred has a significant financial advantage, Gutierrez’s personal approach and passion for key issues could resonate with progressive Democrats.
The winner of the Democratic nomination will face a tough battle against Cruz in the general election. With early voting underway and election day approaching on March 5, the race for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas is shaping up to be a closely watched contest.
