Former Democrat Rep. Colin Allred announced he’s running for Senate in 2026, aiming to unseat longtime Republican Sen. John Cornyn and flip Texas blue at the federal level for the first time in decades. Allred, who lost to Ted Cruz in 2024 by 8.5 points despite a massive $80 million war chest, released his announcement via video Tuesday morning.

“Texans are working harder than ever, not getting as much time with their kids, missing those special moments, all to be able to afford less,” Allred claimed, attacking Cornyn and Texas AG Ken Paxton as “too corrupt to care.” Allred’s announcement comes as Cornyn faces a fierce primary challenge from Paxton, who leads by double digits in multiple polls, though Trump has yet to endorse in the race.

Allred’s path won’t be easy. Texas backed Trump by nearly 14 points in 2024, and the Senate Leadership Fund slammed him as “an out of touch Washington, DC liberal” who supports open borders, men competing in women’s sports, and has even questioned the Second Amendment. “Texas voters have already rejected Allred for the radical liberal he is, and they’ll do it again next fall,” the group said.

Allred will also face a competitive Democratic primary. Former NASA astronaut Terry Virts recently announced his own run, setting up a potentially contentious fight on the left even before the general election. Allred’s campaign indicated it will roll out policy plans starting with an anti-corruption proposal to “lower costs for Texas families,” but specifics remain vague.

If Allred makes it to November, he will be up against a GOP determined to hold the line in Texas as Democrats try to transform the state’s political landscape. The race will test whether Texas voters are ready to give Democrats control of a Senate seat for the first time since 1988, or if they will send a clear message that the Lone Star State remains solidly red.

With Texas set to be a 2026 battleground, this Senate race will be one to watch.