In a surprising turn of events, a recent poll by the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation has revealed a close Senate race in Texas, with Democratic challenger Colin Allred trailing Republican incumbent Senator Ted Cruz by only three percentage points. Allred, a former NFL player turned civil rights attorney, has been steadily gaining momentum in a state that has long been a Republican stronghold.

The poll highlights Allred's strong lead among Hispanic voters, with a significant 11-point gap separating him from Cruz. Notably, Allred also leads among African-American voters and women by double digits. While Cruz maintains a substantial lead among likely white voters and men, Allred's widespread appeal and competitive edge in key demographic groups are breathing new life into the Democratic campaign.

This tight race comes as a surprise to many, as Texas has not seen a Democratic candidate win a statewide election since 1994. Allred's success in unseating long-term Republican incumbent Pete Sessions in 2018 signaled a shifting political landscape in the traditionally conservative state. His fresh perspective and background as a pro-football player and civil rights advocate have resonated with voters looking for change.

Both candidates bring unique experiences to the table: Allred, a newcomer to Texas politics, and Cruz, a seasoned senator who also ran for president in the past. The upcoming Senate race promises to be closely watched and highly contested, with multiple polls indicating a neck-and-neck competition as Election Day approaches.