Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas threw her weight behind former Representative Colin Allred on Wednesday in a closely watched Democratic runoff election against former Representative Julie Johnson. The endorsement marks a significant move in the race for Texas's newly drawn 33rd Congressional District, where Allred is seeking a return to the House after an unsuccessful Senate bid.
In a statement released Wednesday, Crockett praised Allred's track record and determination. “Colin has the record, the grit, and the heart to stand up for working families and communities under attack by this administration,” she said. “He will fight to abolish ICE and go toe to toe with Donald Trump to stop his extreme agenda.”
Crockett, who previously worked alongside Allred in Congress, emphasized their joint efforts to secure federal investments for North Texas. “I’ve seen Colin’s fight firsthand. We worked together to bring hundreds of millions in federal investments to North Texas for affordable housing, health care, and transportation,” she added.
The runoff was triggered by redistricting after Texas adopted new congressional maps. Allred had represented Johnson’s former district before launching a Senate bid in 2024, which he lost. He announced in February he would challenge Johnson in the newly configured 33rd District.
Allred, a former NFL player, had previously backed Crockett during her own primary race earlier this year. Crockett ran for the Democratic nomination against State Representative James Talarico but fell short by 144,512 votes, according to DDHQ. Despite initial concerns about voter access at traditional precincts, she conceded and endorsed Talarico.
Now, Crockett is returning the favor. “Colin doesn’t just talk about fighting for the community that raised him. He wins. That’s why I’m proud to stand with him,” she said in her statement.
The race between Allred and Johnson has drawn attention as a key contest in Texas, where Democratic factions are vying for influence. Crockett’s endorsement could provide Allred with a crucial boost among progressive voters in the district.
Texas politics remain contentious, with recent developments including Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit against ActBlue and debates over mandating the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The runoff’s outcome will shape the Democratic lineup for the general election.
