Possible Run for Texas Senate in 2026 Marks a Return to the National Stage

The former Congress member and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate is considering whether to run for Texas’s Senate seat in 2026. Despite losing three elections since his 2016 mayoral win, he remains optimistic about Democrats’ prospects in the upcoming cycle.

He emphasized the need for Democrats to be strategic and fierce during redistricting, criticizing potential GOP attempts to redraw district lines to favor conservatives. “Wherever we hold power, we must leverage it fully,” he stated, warning that Republicans might split Democratic voters by creating new districts, thereby making some races more competitive.

His comments come amid a tense primary battle for the Texas Senate seat, currently held by Republican John Cornyn, who faces a challenging Republican primary from Attorney General Ken Paxton, despite recent controversy. Senator Ted Cruz is staying neutral in this race.

The political veteran, who served in Congress from 2013 to 2019, gained prominence after a narrow defeat to Cruz in 2018. He chose to run for president in 2020 rather than challenge Cornyn, and his 2022 campaign against Governor Greg Abbott was unsuccessful.

Many see Texas as a potential “dark horse” in future elections, especially since Paxton’s vulnerability might make the general election more favorable for Democrats. Meanwhile, Congressman Colin Allred, another moderate Democrat, is eyeing the Senate seat, aiming to flip the GOP-held seat.

“We need to get serious and ruthless about regaining power,” the candidate stressed, urging Democrats to capitalize on their current advantages and be prepared to create opportunities through redistricting strategies that could potentially disfavor Republican efforts.