Former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney, a prominent conservative figure, made headlines on Monday with a surprising endorsement for the upcoming U.S. Senate race in Texas. Cheney, known for her strong Republican credentials, is backing Democrat Colin Allred over the incumbent GOP Senator Ted Cruz. This endorsement is stirring up quite a buzz, and Cheney's reasons for this choice are as compelling as they are significant.
In her recent appearance in Dallas, Cheney expressed her concerns about Cruz’s reliability and integrity. “For our country to progress, it’s crucial to elect people of good faith. We might not agree on every single issue, but I trust Colin to make decisions based on what he believes is right,” Cheney stated, while helping Allred raise funds for his campaign. Her remarks were shared with The Dallas Morning News, highlighting a critical moment in Texas politics.
Cheney's disapproval of Cruz largely stems from his actions on January 6, 2021. On that fateful day, Cruz objected to certifying the presidential election results despite the chaos and disruption caused by rioters. Cheney has been outspoken about her opposition to this stance, emphasizing that such actions undermine democratic processes. In contrast, Cheney praised Allred for his readiness to physically defend his colleagues from the rioters, signaling a stark difference in their approaches to safeguarding democratic principles.
“I have confidence that Colin will be an attentive listener and engage in constructive discussions to find common solutions,” Cheney continued. “Ted Cruz, on the other hand, has shown a tendency to act based on his own political interests, as evidenced by his post-2020 election efforts which almost led to the disenfranchisement of millions of American voters.”
Allred, who joined Cheney for the interview, welcomed the endorsement with optimism. He believes it will resonate with Republicans and independents alike. “I hope principled conservatives in Texas will see that I’m here to serve all of us, not just a particular party. It’s about embracing a larger coalition—a commitment to the foundational idea that the U.S. is a nation governed by its people,” said Allred, currently serving in the U.S. House from Dallas.
Cruz's campaign, however, dismissed Cheney’s endorsement with a harsh rebuttal. They labeled Cheney’s support as part of a broader “crusade against top Republicans” and questioned the seriousness of her endorsement. The statement criticized Cheney’s previous rejection by Wyoming voters and projected a similar outcome for Allred, calling both Cheney and Allred “losers” in a highly charged remark.
Cheney’s endorsement comes as part of a broader narrative of her political shift. Earlier this month at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, she also declared her intention to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election against former President Donald Trump. Cheney’s alignment with Harris, a Democrat, further underscores her willingness to cross party lines based on principles over partisanship.
Despite being a Wyoming Republican who served in Congress from 2017 to 2023, Cheney acknowledged her policy disagreements with Allred but maintained her belief in his integrity. “Even though Colin and I don’t see eye to eye on every issue, I trust that he will act with conviction and listen to different perspectives,” Cheney noted.
Allred, a self-described moderate Democrat, has positioned himself as a bridge-builder in Washington. He has even diverged from President Joe Biden on some key issues, including border security, where he supported a GOP-led resolution criticizing the Biden administration’s policies. This stance is part of his broader strategy to appeal to a wider electorate, including those who may be disillusioned with extreme partisanship.
Cruz, however, has painted Allred as an ultra-liberal, criticizing his voting record and stance on border issues. “Allred has been a staunch supporter of Nancy Pelosi and her policies, which are not aligned with Texas values,” Cruz asserted at a recent rally, framing the Senate race as a contest between traditional Texas values and progressive policies.
As the November Senate showdown approaches, this race has become one of Texas’ most anticipated political battles. Recent polls depict a tight contest: an August poll from the University of Houston and Texas Southern University shows Cruz leading Allred by just 2 percentage points, while a University of Texas survey gives Cruz an 8-point advantage. The Real Clear Politics average of polls places Cruz ahead by 6 percentage points, reflecting a competitive race that could go either way.
Political analysts, like Republican consultant Brendan Steinhauser, suggest that Cheney’s endorsement might have limited impact on the broader electorate but could serve as a valuable talking point for Allred’s campaign. “The Cheney family’s influence in Texas isn’t what it used to be, but Liz might still sway some independent and swing voters,” Steinhauser remarked.
As the campaign intensifies, all eyes will be on how these endorsements and political maneuvers shape voter opinions and ultimately, the outcome of this high-stakes Senate race.
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