On Tuesday, Democratic Senate challenger Representative Colin Allred went head-to-head with Senator Ted Cruz in their first—and only—debate ahead of the upcoming 2024 election. With less than three weeks to go until Election Day, the two Texas lawmakers engaged in a fiery exchange of words, tackling issues such as abortion, the southern border, and the economy. But it was Cruz’s handling of the January 6 Capitol riots and his infamous Cancún holiday that took center stage in this intense showdown.

Allred Calls Out Cruz Over January 6 and Trump Allegiances

The debate heated up when Cruz was pressed about his role in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, particularly his support for former President Donald Trump’s election fraud claims. These claims are widely believed to have fueled the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021.

At one point, Allred bluntly told Cruz, “You can’t be for the mob on January 6 and for the officers. You can’t,” as both men locked eyes. Cruz, seemingly unfazed, responded with a laugh—an action that didn’t sit well with Allred. “It’s not funny,” the congressman snapped. “You’re a threat to democracy.”

The tension on stage was palpable, as Cruz stared at the floor, perhaps realizing the gravity of the accusation. Allred, who was present during the certification of the 2020 election results when rioters stormed the Capitol, recalled the chaos of that day. “I was on the House floor when we went through the votes. I remember when you objected to the results in Arizona,” he said, referring to Cruz’s role in challenging the election outcome in that state.

Cruz’s Cancún Controversy Resurfaces

Allred didn’t stop with the January 6 attack. He also resurrected one of Cruz’s most embarrassing political moments: his trip to Cancún in February 2021, during a devastating winter storm that left millions of Texans without power or running water. The storm claimed the lives of 246 people, while Cruz and his family were soaking up the sun in Mexico.

“When the lights went out in the energy capital of the world, he went to Cancún,” Allred jabbed, reminding voters of the senator’s decision to abandon Texas at such a critical moment. This wasn’t just a political misstep—it was a PR disaster that earned Cruz the nickname “Cancún Cruz”.

The controversy spiraled further when Cruz attempted to justify his actions, claiming he was only trying to be a “good dad” by taking his daughters on a vacation. While Cruz eventually cut his trip short and returned to Texas, the damage was done, and this incident has since lingered in the public memory.

One pollster has even predicted that the Cancún scandal could hurt Cruz’s chances of reelection in 2024, a race that’s shaping up to be more competitive than many anticipated.

The Tight Race in Texas: Allred Closes the Gap

Ted Cruz, who is seeking a third consecutive term in the Senate, is currently leading in the polls, but not by much. According to recent data, Cruz’s lead over Allred has shrunk to just 2.8%. This is significant, given that Texas has long been a Republican stronghold. If Allred were to win, he would become the first Democrat to win a statewide office in Texas since 1994.

Allred, a former NFL linebacker turned congressman, has been running a strong campaign, focusing on bipartisanship and appealing to moderate voters. His performance in Tuesday’s debate showcased his ability to land strong verbal punches, especially when attacking Cruz on his record and his ties to Trump’s MAGA movement.

Cruz, a once-vocal critic of Trump, has since become one of the former president’s most loyal supporters, which Allred highlighted as a major issue. Cruz’s support for Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election results and his refusal to fully condemn the actions of the Capitol rioters have led to calls for his resignation, with many questioning his commitment to democratic principles.

Why This Race Matters

The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate. Currently, the Democrats hold a narrow majority, with 51 seats to the Republicans’ 49. However, several key races across the country could flip the Senate to GOP control. For example, Democratic Senator Jon Tester’s seat in Montana is at risk, while Republican Senator Rick Scott has gained a strong lead over his Democratic challenger, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, in Florida.

If Cruz manages to hold onto his seat, it could bolster the GOP’s chances of reclaiming the Senate. On the other hand, if Allred pulls off an upset, it would mark a historic shift in Texas politics and provide a much-needed boost to the Democratic Party.

Final Thoughts

Tuesday night’s debate highlighted just how contentious the Texas Senate race has become. Colin Allred came out swinging, calling out Ted Cruz on both his actions during the Capitol riots and his ill-timed vacation to Cancún. With Election Day fast approaching, this race is far from over, and it’s clear that Allred has made significant inroads into what was once a safe Republican seat.

While Cruz still holds a narrow lead, the momentum appears to be shifting in Allred’s favor. Whether this shift will be enough to flip Texas blue remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: all eyes will be on this race as the 2024 election nears.