Allred hopes abortion rights defeat Cruz.

Allred Presses Abortion Rights in Texas Senate Race Against Cruz

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Colin Allred dismissed doubts about Congress' ability to codify abortion rights granted under Roe v. Wade, stating that defeating Ted Cruz would send a strong message.

"This is going to be bipartisan...You have at least two (Republican) senators who have said that they are pro-choice and they want to restore this right." - Colin Allred

Allred, a three-term representative from Dallas, marked the 2nd anniversary of the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling by emphasizing the impact of Texas' restrictive abortion ban. The state prohibits abortions except in cases of life-threatening medical emergencies.

Joined by women affected by the law, including Taylor Edwards, who had to leave Texas for an abortion after learning her pregnancy wouldn't survive, Allred called the situation unacceptable.

"Returning to Texas after my abortion, I was terrified (of) being prosecuted by the state, and you shouldn't have to live in fear when you're going through something so traumatic." - Taylor Edwards

Allred, lagging in polls against Cruz, hopes to energize Democrats and appeal to independents. While Cruz called the Dobbs decision a "massive victory for life," polling suggests most Texans support legal abortion in most cases. An April University of Texas poll found 80% support for abortion in rape/incest cases, 75% for serious birth defects, and 55% for personal choice. However, the same poll showed Cruz leading Allred by 11 points, with abortion a lower priority for voters than inflation, the economy, and border security.