Ted Cruz defeats Colin Allred in US Senate race, AP projects
Ted Cruz has won another term in the US Senate after defeating his Democratic challenger.
Cruz defeated Dallas Congressman Colin Allred by 8 percentage points, a much wider margin than during his reelection bid six years ago.
The race was one of the most closely watched races in the country and it was tight for a while after polls closed. Then Cruz emerged as a clear winner.
In the end, Cruz secured about 53% of the vote over Allred's 44%.
"Tonight, the people of Texas have spoken and their message rings clear as a bell across this state. Texas will remain Texas," Cruz said during his victory speech.
Democrats targeted the seat as a potential seat they could flip after Cruz defeated Beto O'Rourke by just 3 percentage points in 2018.
Allred, a state representative from Dallas with the backing of millions from Senate Democrats, attempted to paint Cruz as an extreme lawmaker who is out of touch with Texans.
"I want to thank, Texas. Tonight I called Sen. Cruz and congratulated him on his victory. It shouldn't be remarkable to have to admit defeat. But in today's politics, it is becoming rarer and rarer," Allred said while thanking his supporters at a watch party in Dallas.
Cruz blasted Allred as extreme, pointing to his voting record on issues like the border.
The two campaigns raised more than $160 million combined, making it the most expensive Senate race in Texas history and the most expensive this election cycle nationwide.
Cruz has represented Texas in the Senate since 2013.
His six-year term will keep him in office until 2030.
A Democrat has not represented Texas in the US Senate since 1993.
US Senate Election Results
Ted Cruz Biography
HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 6: Senator Ted Cruz speaks to supporters as he hosted a law enforcement and public safety rally with law enforcement leaders at Kings Bierhaus on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Houston. (Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle via Getty Ima
Ted Cruz will serve a third term in the United States Senate.
Cruz has represented Texas in Washington since 2013.
Before becoming a Senator, Cruz served as a policy advisor for then-governor George W. Bush, an associate deputy attorney general in the Department of Justice and worked as the Texas Solicitor General.
During his time as Solicitor General, Cruz argued on behalf of the state in front of the Supreme Court.
Cruz ran for president in 2016 and won primaries in 11 states. He dropped out of the race after it became clear Donald Trump would be the Republican nominee.