Republican incumbent Senator Ted Cruz engaged in a heated debate with his Democratic opponent, Representative Colin Allred, hosted by ABC affiliate WFAA in Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday evening. The debate focused on key issues relevant to the closely watched Senate race, as Cruz seeks a third term against Allred, a former NFL linebacker currently serving his third term in Congress. Recent polling data from 538 indicates Cruz holds a narrow lead over Allred by just 4 percentage points.
Despite Cruz’ significant fundraising advantage and the support from outside groups, Democrats aim to make a strong push in Texas, a state they have not won in a statewide election for decades, evidenced by a recent fundraising effort initiated in late September.
During the debate, Cruz responded to questions regarding abortion, given Texas’ strict regulations. He remarked that abortion is a contentious issue in Texas, emphasizing that the resolution lies in the hands of voters through elections. He mentioned the importance of parental consent for minors seeking abortions and criticized Allred for advocating positions he termed as extreme, stating, “He’s voted in favor of striking down Texas’ law and legalizing abortion up to and including the eighth and ninth month of pregnancy.”
In contrast, Allred accused Cruz of misrepresenting his stance on abortion, urging the senator to address the real concerns of constituents like Kate Cox, who faced difficulties obtaining necessary care due to the restrictive law. Allred pledged to restore a woman’s right to choose if elected. When questioned about his position on exceptions for rape or incest, Cruz redirected focus onto Allred’s voting record, insisting that decisions on such laws are determined by the state legislature, not individual senators.
The discussion turned to immigration and border security, where Allred pointed out his past criticism of Cruz regarding border policies. He referenced Cruz’s absence during key events, arguing that Cruz has failed to provide necessary support for Texas residents during crises. Allred asserted that comprehensive strategies, including physical barriers, are essential for effective border security.
In defense, Cruz highlighted his collaboration with the Trump administration in achieving lower illegal immigration rates, claiming the current administration has reversed those gains. He reiterated past statements from Allred regarding border security as divisive, suggesting such comments undermine genuine discussions on the topic.
The debate also covered foreign policy issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict, affordable housing, the economy, and in-vitro fertilization. Regarding transgender rights, Cruz accused Allred of supporting harmful policies, while Allred refuted this assertion, stressing his belief in non-discrimination and challenging Cruz’s rhetoric.
Despite the tense exchanges throughout the debate, both candidates shook hands at the conclusion, with moderators commending them for a spirited and respectful discussion.