Colin Allred Wasted $77.5 Million in Failed Senate Bid
- Colin Allred invested $77.5 million in his Senate campaign, while Ted Cruz raised $86 million.
- The overall spending for the Texas Senate race reached $165.5 million, making it the most expensive Senate race in the 2024 cycle.
- Allred's defeat underscored the ongoing challenge for Democrats in securing statewide offices in Texas.
In the 2024 Texas Senate race, Democrat Colin Allred spent approximately $77.5 million in an unsuccessful attempt to unseat incumbent Senator Ted Cruz. Allred, who raised about $80 million, focused heavily on abortion issues during his campaign. Meanwhile, Cruz raised $86 million and spent $76.9 million, ultimately winning the election with 53.1% of the vote compared to Allred's 44.5%. This race became the most expensive Senate race of the election cycle, with a total of $165.5 million raised and $153.5 million spent, eclipsing other competitive races in Ohio and Montana. The campaigns showcased contrasting strategies; Allred emphasized abortion, while Cruz highlighted economic issues and border security. As a result of their campaigns, Allred failed to achieve a Democratic Senate victory for Texas, where statewide election success for Democrats has been rare since 1994.