Rep. Colin Allred and Sen. Ted Cruz are both nearing the end of their campaigns for a Texas seat in the U.S. Senate as early voting began in Texas on Oct. 21. The Daily Texan reached out to both campaigns to learn more about their policies and goals if elected.
Allred responded to questions through email. Cruz did not respond to requests for comment.
On the issue of immigration, Allred said he would work with Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump to secure the border and fix the “broken” immigration system. He said he would vote for the bipartisan immigration bill proposed during the current legislative session. The bill would add 1,500 border patrol agents and invest $20 billion in border security.
Cruz said on his website the immigration system needs to be fixed by Congress. He said he has introduced legislation to build a wall on the U.S. southern border and supports U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents working “to protect Texas’ communities.”
Allred said he supports comprehensive immigration reform. “I also support comprehensive immigration reform that will speed up our asylum process, protect our Dreamers, create a pathway to earned citizenship for people who are working hard and playing by the rules, and better match our immigration system to the needs of our economy,” Allred said.
In response to the recent protests on college campuses, Allred said he supports students’ right to protest. “We must also make sure that no one feels that their own physical safety or they, as a community, are being targeted in a way that’s dangerous,” Allred said.
During the April 24 protest on the UT campus, Cruz took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to give a statement on the protest.
“These nationwide antisemitic protests are disgraceful,” Cruz said. “They do not represent Texas or the views of Texans. No Jewish student should ever have their safety threatened.”
If Allred were to be elected, it would be the first time a Texas Democrat is elected to the U.S. Senate since 1988. The Texan asked how he would navigate the challenges of representing a split-party state.
Allred said he has won awards from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for his work with both parties. He said he has supported bipartisan efforts and bills that create jobs such as the CHIPS and Science Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“I will always work with both parties to deliver for Texans,” Allred said.
Early voting began on Oct. 21 and will continue till Nov. 1. To find your polling location visit VoteTexas.org. Election day is Nov. 5.
