Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who is facing a challenging re-election campaign, recently announced a large fundraising haul of nearly $10 million over the past three months. With $15.1 million on hand in his three fundraising committees, Cruz is gearing up for a tough race against Democratic challenger Rep. Colin Allred. Allred, a former NFL player and civil rights attorney, is also racking up significant fundraising numbers, raising over $9.5 million in the first quarter. President Biden has thrown his support behind Allred, urging donors to help him defeat Cruz.
Cruz, who narrowly defeated Beto O’Rourke in 2018, has been a favorite of conservatives across the country for his strong opposition to Democrats. However, he is now trying to attract left-leaning voters by showcasing his bipartisan credentials. His campaign has already surpassed 1 million direct voter contacts and is on track to hit historic grassroots numbers. Cruz faces a tough battle, with Democrats pouring millions of dollars into Texas to unseat him. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has made Cruz his number one target in the country.
With Democrats holding a slim 51-49 majority in the Senate, Republicans need a net gain of one or two seats to win back the majority. The math and map favor the GOP in 2024, with Democrats defending 23 of the 34 seats up for grabs. Texas and Florida are the only competitive GOP-held seats up for grabs this November. Cruz’s campaign is focusing on keeping Texas a bastion of liberty and portraying Allred as a partisan who does not represent the values of Texans. The race is expected to be closely watched as Cruz fights to retain his seat.
Cruz and his team are intensifying their efforts as he prepares for the official opening of his 2024 campaign headquarters in Houston. The senator is planning to spend the day phone banking and door knocking on behalf of his campaign. While Cruz has been a staunch conservative voice in the Senate, he is now trying to appeal to a wider range of voters by highlighting his work across party lines. Meanwhile, Allred’s campaign is focused on rejecting Cruz’s divisiveness and fighting for the freedoms of Texans.
As Cruz and Allred gear up for what is expected to be a highly contested race, both candidates are ramping up their fundraising efforts and engaging in grassroots outreach. The battle for the Senate majority hangs in the balance, with Republicans needing to gain one or two seats to regain control. Texas is likely to be a key battleground in the fight for the Senate majority, with millions of dollars being poured into the race by both parties. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate and the future of Texas politics.
