Such was the case with the marquee Senate race between Republican incumbent Ted Cruz and U.S. Rep. Colin Allred. Allred’s nearly 9-point loss to Cruz was disappointing for Democrats hoping the Dallas congressman would give the party its first statewide win in 30 years.

Cruz, 53, fought back, seeking in the final weeks of the campaign to paint Allred as wanting to allow boys to play in girls sports. He also tied Allred, 43, to Vice President Kamala Harris, who was expected to lose the presidential vote in the state, calling the two Democrats “dos liberales,” or, “two liberals” in Spanish-language advertising.

U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, a former NFL linebacker and civil rights lawyer from Dallas, repeatedly broke fundraising records in his campaign, raising more than $80 million by mid-October.

Texas voters on both sides of the political spectrum had strong opinions about Sen. Ted Cruz’s decisive victory over Colin Allred on Tuesday. Statewide, Cruz led Allred, 54% to 44%. In Dallas County and Tarrant County,

In the second Allred commercial we've fact-checked, the former football player defends himself. We’re committed to providing you with the election coverage you need as you cast your vote. We’re aiming to raise $2,500. If you value journalism like ours that strengthens democracy and holds our leaders accountable, please make a contribution today.

The Fox News Decision Desk projected that incumbent Texas Sen. Ted Cruz would defeat his Democrat opponent Rep. Colin Allred Tuesday, winning a third term in the U.S. Senate.