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.

DALLAS -- Former Texas congressman Colin Allred launched another run for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday after the Democrat's challenge against Republican Sen. Ted Cruz last year broke records for spending but did not deliver his party the breakthrough it has sought for decades in the state.