Photo: Fox26 Houston
Deadline Day Chaos: Texas Senate Race Upended as Crockett Jumps In, Allred Bows Out
Monday’s filing deadline for Texas’s 2026 primaries delivered the kind of political whiplash that makes even seasoned observers dizzy. In a span of hours, the Democratic Senate primary underwent a complete transformation: Rep. Jasmine Crockett officially threw her hat in the ring to challenge Sen. John Cornyn, while former Rep. Colin Allred abruptly abandoned his own Senate bid to run for Congress instead. The result? A race that was already attracting national attention just became one of the most unpredictable contests of the midterm cycle.
A Monday Morning Surprise
Allred’s morning announcement caught many by surprise. After launching his Senate campaign in July—just months after losing to Sen. Ted Cruz by 8.5 points—the former Dallas congressman declared he was ending his bid to instead run for the newly redrawn 33rd Congressional District. His reasoning was blunt: a three-way Democratic primary would likely trigger a May runoff, draining resources and leaving the party bruised heading into November.
“In the past few days, I’ve come to believe that a bruising Senate Democratic primary and runoff would prevent the Democratic Party from going into this critical election unified,” Allred said, citing the threat posed by Trump and Republican candidates Ken Paxton, Cornyn, or Rep. Wesley Hunt.
I am deeply moved by the personal stories and trust that so many Texans have placed in me. I'm forever grateful and believe it comes with heavy responsibility.
— Colin Allred (@ColinAllredTX) December 8, 2025
That’s why I’ve made the difficult decision to end my campaign for Senate and run to represent the newly drawn CD-33. pic.twitter.com/ABCioIHDVc
The decision came after what CNN described as a “professional, friendly conversation” with Crockett, who had been openly weighing a Senate run for weeks. Reading between the lines, it appears Democrats engaged in some last-minute strategic calculus to avoid a fractured primary that could have benefited Republicans.
Enter Jasmine Crockett
Just 90 minutes before the filing deadline, Crockett made it official. The two-term congresswoman from Dallas filed paperwork to run for Senate, then held an evening rally where she unleashed her signature combative style against Cornyn and Trump. Her announcement video was pure Crockett: Trump’s voice plays, calling her “a very low IQ person,” before she turns to the camera with a knowing smile. The message was clear—she’s ready for the fight.
Crockett, who has become a progressive darling through viral confrontations with Republicans and frequent cable news appearances, framed her candidacy as a chance to build “a strong multi-racial, multi-generational coalition.” She attacked Cornyn for his lengthy political career and accused him of capitulating to Trump after once opposing the border wall.
“Cornyn used to actually try and help Texas,” Crockett said at her launch event. “What happened, Big John? Because now, all you’re doing is bending the knee, kissing the ring, and running ads about how you vote 99% of the time with Trump.”
Her entry reshapes the Democratic primary into a two-person race against state Rep. James Talarico of Austin, a progressive Presbyterian minister who has built his own national following.
.@JamesTalarico sent this video to his 10,000 volunteers:
— Team Talarico (@TeamTalaricoHQ) December 9, 2025
“We will make the case for why we are best positioned to win this race — but we will always treat Congresswoman Crockett with the utmost respect. She is my colleague and a leader in our state. She deserves nothing less.” pic.twitter.com/dFjhomHy8U
With Allred out, the likelihood of a runoff drops significantly—potentially allowing Democrats to conserve resources for the general election.
The Republican Circus
If the Democratic side experienced Monday chaos, the Republican primary has been operating in a permanent state of bedlam. Cornyn, seeking his fifth term since first winning in 2002, faces what many consider the toughest primary challenge of his career. Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Trump favorite despite a decade of legal scandals and a messy ongoing divorce, has been polling strongly among MAGA voters. Meanwhile, Rep. Wesley Hunt from Houston rounds out the field, though most analysts see him as a long-shot.
The Cornyn-Paxton battle has devolved into one of the nastiest intraparty fights in recent Texas memory. Paxton’s campaign wasted no time Monday, releasing a statement calling Crockett “Crazy Jasmine Crockett” while primarily attacking Cornyn for allegedly wasting millions on a race where he’s “in third place in the primary.” Cornyn, for his part, has spent months hammering Paxton over his legal baggage and fired back at Crockett’s candidacy, calling her “radical, theatrical and ineffective.”
I’m sure John Cornyn is deeply upset his “dance partner” Crazy Crockett is running, but that won’t stop him from trying to force the national GOP to light $100 million on fire to save his failing campaign.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) December 8, 2025
He's willing to risk the Senate Majority to protect his fragile ego. https://t.co/WPLHw6QYHW
Sen. John Cornyn released a statement on Crockett’s intention to run to unseat him.
This internecine warfare has Democrats salivating. The party hasn’t won a statewide race in Texas since 1994, but strategists believe a damaged nominee emerging from a brutal GOP runoff—particularly if it’s the scandal-plagued Paxton—could give them a genuine opening.
The Redistricting Wild Card
Adding another layer of chaos is the mid-decade redistricting that preceded all this drama. The Republican-controlled legislature redrew congressional maps this summer in what Democrats decry as an illegal gerrymander designed to eliminate competitive seats. The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the new maps to stand last week, fundamentally altering the political landscape.
For Crockett, the redistricting significantly changed her 30th Congressional District, providing additional motivation to run statewide. Allred’s pivot to the 33rd District—which now contains parts of his old district—sets up a competitive primary against Rep. Julie Johnson, while Rep. Marc Veasey is expected to jump to Crockett’s vacated 30th District seat. It’s a game of musical chairs that speaks to the broader instability Republicans have injected into Texas politics.
What Happens Next?
The March 3 primary is now less than three months away, making this a sprint rather than a marathon. Crockett enters with significant name recognition and fundraising prowess—she’s become one of the Democratic Party’s most prolific small-dollar fundraisers. However, polling suggests challenges ahead: a November survey found that 49% of Texas Democrats would “definitely not” vote for her, higher than any other candidate in either primary.
Talarico, by contrast, must rapidly build statewide name recognition but benefits from strong grassroots organizing and his own compelling personal narrative as a former middle school teacher. The contrast between the two Democrats—Crockett’s confrontational cable news persona versus Talarico’s faith-infused populism—will define the primary contest.
Republicans, meanwhile, are barely concealing their glee at Crockett’s entry. Many believe her progressive record and inflammatory past comments will prove toxic in a general election. Yet this calculation assumes Cornyn or Hunt wins the GOP primary. If Paxton emerges as the nominee, Democrats will have their own attack lines ready about his impeachment trial, securities fraud indictment, and ethics scandals.
The most likely scenario remains a GOP victory in November—Texas is still Texas, after all. But Monday’s chaos demonstrated that the 2026 Senate race will be anything but predictable. Between controversial redistricting, Republican civil war, and Democrats’ last-minute strategic shuffle, Texas politics has entered a period of genuine flux. The only certainty? This race will cost hundreds of millions of dollars and dominate headlines through Election Day.
Buckle up. The chaos has only just begun.
The City of Austin and the Austin Firefighters Association have reached a new handshake deal, according to the association.
“We are pleased to share that the City and the Austin Firefighters Association have reached a tentative agreement. Both sides are working today to finalize the remaining details, and we believe this is a strong outcome for the community we serve, the Union, and the City.” — Roxana Stevens, Labor Relations Officer
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office said Monday that it arrested two women after a missing 8-year-old was found by authorities over the weekend.
A woman is in custody in connection with a shooting that killed a man at a CapMetro bus stop last month. (KVUE-TV)
A double homicide in Georgetown over the weekend has left residents shaken and families grieving.
Williamson County authorities are taking another look at a 1987 murder case still unsolved.
A three-story apartment complex on Pleasant Valley Road that was still under construction, erupted in flames Sunday night, causing around $3 million in damages.
According to signage on the property, Sage at Franklin Park Apartments was scheduled to open in winter 2026. The developer, Dominium, says the project had plans to add 275 new apartments for low-income households.
There were no reports of injuries. The cause of the fire is unknown.
Thursday, Austin City Council is expected to vote on a potential incentive program with Southwest Airlines that could help the airline expand its footprint at the Austin airport.
PODCAST
It’s been a decade since Austin pledged to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries — but even after spending $125 million, the number of people dying in crashes hasn’t really changed. So is Vision Zero a failure? And will all of the autonomous vehicles now in Austin help? Joel Meyer, Austin’s Transportation Safety Officer, says there have been significant improvements, particularly on roadways deemed the most dangerous in town.
A road-rage encounter on northbound Loop 360 is drawing widespread attention after a video surfaced showing one driver shattering another motorist’s window before speeding off — prompting a chase down the busy highway near the MoPac interchange.
@EvilMopacATX pic.twitter.com/du6uSAjAmT
— Channel Cinco (@channelcinco_tv) December 6, 2025
Austin police said they are investigating the incident as an “assault with injury” case. No arrest have been made at this time. (Austin American-Statesman)
Waymo will file a voluntary software recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this week related to how its driverless vehicles respond to stopped school buses, the company said, but is refusing to pull the vehicles off Austun streets.
The Austin City Limits Music Festival will return to Zilker Park for two weekends in October 2026, with presale tickets going on sale Wednesday.
The festival will take place Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11, 2026.
Bastrop County officials have extended the burn ban in effect for that region.
WEATHER
MONDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
Major solar activity over the weekend could make the northern lights visible across more than a dozen states Monday and Tuesday night. This marks the second time in less than a month that the Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch for a substantial portion of the United States. (Austin Amerian-Statesman)
Gov. Greg Abbott is calling on Texans to report schools interfering with the development of Turning Point USA-backed “Club America” chapters.
Today, @TPUSA leaders and students joined us at the Governor’s Mansion.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) December 9, 2025
These students are building a movement rooted in freedom, responsibility, and moral clarity.
Texas ranks #1 for the most high school chapters.
The Texas Education Agency will take action against any school… pic.twitter.com/hw6KFCZDZo
Former Texas Lt. Gov. William “Bill” Ratliff died Monday at his home in Mount Pleasant, according to an obituary. He was 89. (FOX 7 Austin)
Texas has launched its new cryptocurrency reserve with a $5 million purchase of Bitcoin as the state continues to embrace the volatile and controversial digital currency.
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a challenge against Llano County’s removal of 17 books from its public libraries, including some that focus on race and gender. (Texas Tribune)
People with Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance may lose access to in-network care at Ascension Seton facilities in the Austin area on Jan. 1 if the two entities do not agree on a new contract before that time. The negotiations also apply to Ascension Providence facilities in Waco. (KUT 90.5)
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) special agents seized 30 handguns and dozens of weapons’ accessories hidden in a pickup truck’s spare tire during an outbound inspection at a South Texas border crossing last week, authorities said.
SIGNIFICANT WEAPONS SEIZURE: Texas DPS Seizes Dozens of Firearms & Accessories During Outbound Inspection@TxDPS Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Special Agents working jointly with federal law enforcement, seized 30 handguns and weapons accessories destined for Mexico… pic.twitter.com/4m5UC4Jd75
— Chris Olivarez (@LtChrisOlivarez) December 8, 2025
From FOX 7 Austin.
On the final day of election filing, presumed Senate candidate Colin Allred has announced a pivot to a run for House District 33, in which he will be a primary challenger for Congresswoman Julie Johnson.
(Episode from December 8, 2025)
Immigrant families held at a detention facility in Texas describe prolonged stays, despondent children, limited access to potable water and agents offering money for families to voluntarily leave the country, according to new court declarations filed early Tuesday morning. (CNN)
SPORTS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Matas Vokietaitis scored a career-high 28 points to lead five Longhorns in double figures and Texas cruised to a 95-69 victory over Southern on Monday night.
Vokietaitis, a 7-foot sophomore, made 7 of 10 shots and all 14 of his free throws for the Longhorns (7-3), who improve to 5-1 at home. (Texas Longhorns)
ON THE SCHEDULE
NBA: Harrison Barnes scored 24 points, rookie Dylan Harper capped a 22-point performance with a go-ahead driving floater with 9 seconds left, and the San Antonio Spurs recovered from losing a 20-point halftime lead to beat the reeling New Orleans Pelicans 135-132 on Monday night. (Yahoo! Sports)
San Antonio, Dallas and Houston are all idle today.
STANDINGS
NHL: The Dallas Stars are in Winnipeg tonight.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: The Texas Longhorns have reportedly lost another player to the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Melvin Hills will enter the portal after two years in Austin.
Hills becomes the third Longhorn to enter the portal, after redshirt sophomore running back CJ Baxter and redshirt freshman Trey Owens announced their intentions earlier in the day. (Sports Illustrated)
Texas Football Facing HUGE Portal Attrition? | LIVE | 12/9/25
In Deep East Texas, where the Neches and Angelina rivers meet, Martin Dies, Jr. State Park invites paddling, camping, birding, and stargazing. Just a short drive from Houston, this Pineywoods haven offers natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and space for families to connect with nature.
