Texas Senate Race Intensifies with Record-Breaking Fundraising

The U.S. Senate race in Texas is heating up, with both candidates raising tens of millions of dollars in the last quarter. Republican incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz reported $21 million in political contributions between July 1 and Sept. 30, while Democratic challenger Colin Allred raised over $33 million in the same period.

Cruz has led in most public polls since the March primaries, but the race remains statistically tied. One poll even showed Allred ahead by one percentage point. The Cook Political Report recently shifted Texas's Senate race from "Likely Republican" to "Leans Republican."

Both campaigns touted their fundraising hauls as evidence of widespread support. "From the $5 grassroots donors to the families knocking doors together each weekend, this campaign is about bringing Texans together and holding Ted Cruz accountable for only caring about himself," said Paige Hutchinson, Allred's campaign manager.

Cruz's spokesperson, Nick Maddux, expressed confidence but noted that the incumbent is taking nothing for granted. "At the final stretch of the campaign, enthusiasm for Senator Cruz is tangible in every corner of the Lone Star State," Maddux said. "Texans know what is at stake. The future of our State and Nation is on the line and supporters are geared up and ready to re-elect Senator Cruz and Keep Texas, Texas."

Cruz has $16 million cash on hand, while Allred has not disclosed his amount ahead of the Oct. 15 Federal Election Commission filing deadline. The candidates will debate on Oct. 15 in Dallas, with the showdown airing on Tegna-affiliated outlets and streaming live.

The 2024 race echoes Cruz's 2018 reelection campaign, where he faced another strong fundraising challenger in Beto O'Rourke. Allred has so far outraised Cruz, with his campaign reporting nearly $69 million since entering the race. Cruz had taken in about $22 million in the three months leading to the July reporting period.

Early voting begins Oct. 21. The deadline to register to vote in the 2024 election was Monday.