U.S. Air Force Col. Terry Virts, a former F-16 fighter pilot and NASA astronaut, is the other Democrat in the race.

Democrat Colin Allred has launched his 2026 campaign for U.S. Senate in Texas, challenging incumbent Republican John Cornyn. He is the first major Democrat to announce a Senate bid, but others, including Beto O'Rourke and Joaquin Castro, have expressed interest.

TEXAS, USA — Former Congressman Colin Allred (D-Dallas) has thrown his hat into the ring to run for U.S. Senate in 2026. "Real change might feel impossible. But I'm not giving up," Allred said in an announcement video.