Colin Allred wins Democratic primary runoff for redrawn Texas House seat

Former Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, won a Democratic primary runoff Tuesday for a redrawn House seat based in Dallas.

Allred defeated Rep. Julie Johnson, D-Texas, according to The Associated Press. The district is heavily Democratic, and the winner is expected to prevail in the November general election.

Republicans redrew the seat last year to make it more Democratic while adjusting other districts to help the GOP gain as many as five seats.

The contest grew negative as both candidates sought to preserve their political careers in one of the few remaining Texas House districts where Democrats hold an edge.

Democratic Texas Rep. Marc Veasey, the district’s incumbent, chose not to run for re-election. Johnson entered the race after Republicans drew her out of her previous district.

Johnson, a freshman lawmaker, succeeded Allred in Congress after he left the seat to run against Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in 2024.

Allred decided to challenge Johnson for the open House seat in late 2025 after suspending his 2026 Senate campaign.

The former NFL linebacker endorsed Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, in the final months of the Senate primary after accusing state Rep. James Talarico of making a racist remark about him during a private phone call with a party activist.

Talarico, the Democratic Party’s Senate nominee, denied calling Allred a “mediocre Black man” and said his remarks referred to Allred’s campaign style.

Crockett endorsed Allred in April and campaigned with him. Talarico publicly supported Johnson.

Johnson also received backing from House Democratic leadership, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, EMILY’s List and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Allred held a name-recognition and fundraising advantage. He led Johnson by 11 points in the March 3 primary but fell short of a majority, forcing the runoff.