Texas Hold’em: Ted Cruz Rebrands to Survive

It’s a gamble

When Democratic Senate candidate Colin Allred began closing the gap in the polls against Senator Ted Cruz in Texas, I had a bit of advice for the Democrats two weeks ago:

One piece of advice I have for the Democrats: Find establishment Republicans — the ones trying to stop the MAGA takeover of their party — and get them to campaign for Allred. Send Democratic star campaigners to the cities, and deploy Republican allies to the deeper parts of Texas. While you’re at it, send Arizona Senator Mark Kelly to the districts near the border.

It will shake up the map. If you want a win, then buzz like a bee. I mean bees.

They’ve done it. Part of me wants to believe I gave them a little nudge, while another part isn’t so sure. Either way, the Democrats are now mobilizing to shake up the race. Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger has launched “Republicans for Allred,” a GOP group rallying behind Colin Allred.

The Republicans for Allred campaign reinforces Allred’s bid to attract independents and more moderate Republicans — voters he’ll need in order to beat Cruz. Kinzinger’s push for Allred marks the latest high-profile crossover for the Dallas Democrat, after former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney endorsed Allred last month.

As establishment Republicans who left the party due to the MAGA takeover begin rallying behind Allred, Democrats have brought their star power to Texas to boost his campaign.