50 Facts About Colin Allred

Early Life and Education

Colin Allred's journey began in Dallas, Texas, where he was born and raised. His early years were marked by determination and leadership.

1. Born on April 15, 1983, in Dallas, Texas, Colin Allred was raised by a single mother who worked as a public school teacher.
2. Allred is a fourth-generation Texan, deeply rooted in the state's history and culture.
3. He attended Hillcrest High School, where he was not only class president but also excelled in football, basketball, and baseball.
4. His dedication to sports and academics earned him a full-ride football scholarship to Baylor University.
5. At Hillcrest High School, Allred was known for his commitment, often staying late after practice to work out in the weight room or batting cages.

College Football Career

Allred's time at Baylor University was pivotal, shaping his future both on and off the field.

6. Allred played college football at Baylor University as a linebacker under head coach Guy Morriss.
7. He graduated in 2005 with a B.A. in history, showcasing his academic prowess alongside his athletic achievements.
8. As a senior, he was named All-Big 12 honorable mention by the Associated Press, highlighting his skills on the field.

NFL Career

Transitioning from college to professional football, Allred faced numerous challenges but persevered.

9. After college, Allred was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2006.
10. Despite being waived multiple times, he was promoted to the active roster in December 2007.
11. Allred played for the Titans until 2010, appearing in 32 games and recording 46 tackles.
12. His NFL career was cut short due to a career-ending injury, leading him to pursue a new path.

Law Career and Civil Rights Advocacy

After his NFL career, Allred turned to law, focusing on civil rights and voter protection.

13. Allred received his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law in 2014.
14. He worked as a research assistant for professor Ian Haney López, delving into civil rights issues.
15. Allred joined Battleground Texas as its Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Director of Voter Protection, overseeing voter registration efforts.
16. He worked in the Obama administration at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys.
17. As a special assistant in HUD's Office of General Counsel, he worked under Secretary Julian Castro.
18. Allred also worked as a civil rights attorney at Perkins Coie, focusing on voting rights litigation.

Congressional Career

Allred's political career began with a significant victory, unseating a long-term incumbent.

19. In 2018, Allred was elected to represent Texas's 32nd congressional district, defeating 11-term incumbent Pete Sessions.
20. He has been serving in Congress since January 3, 2019, advocating for various Democratic policies.
21. Allred is a member of the Democratic Party and has been a vocal advocate for climate change and gun safety legislation.
22. Despite being a Democrat, he is known for his bipartisan approach, working on significant legislation.
23. In 2021, Allred sought over $241 million in earmarks for his district, largely for projects at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
24. Allred voted for both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump in 2019 and again in 2021.

Senate Campaign

Allred's ambitions have led him to run for a higher office, aiming for the U.S. Senate.

25. In the 2024 primary election, Allred defeated State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, Mark Gonzalez, and several other candidates to become the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat held by Ted Cruz.
26. His campaign has focused on issues like immigration reform, abortion rights, and economic development.
27. Allred has advocated for providing a legal pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
28. He has criticized former President Donald Trump's border wall as "racist."
29. Allred has called Texas's abortion ban "cruel" and co-sponsored the Women’s Health Protection Act.
30. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce gave Allred one of only four of its Democratic endorsements in the 2022 House election.
31. The AFL-CIO union group has stated that Allred has voted on the side of unions 100% of the time since he took office.
32. Allred was the first known member of Congress to take paid paternity leave when his first child was born.
33. He is a member of the Congressional Dads Caucus, advocating for national paid leave programs and affordable child care.

Personal Life and Background

Allred's personal experiences have shaped his perspectives and policies.

34. Allred is married and has two children, balancing family life with his demanding career.
35. Raised by a single white mother in Dallas, he has spoken about the complexities of his biracial identity.
36. He is the descendant of enslaved people in East Texas and includes James V. Allred, the state’s 33rd governor, in his lineage.
37. At Hillcrest High School, Allred was class president and a team captain at Baylor University.
38. Before running for office, Allred was involved in various community programs, including working at a YMCA afterschool program.

Community and Political Impact

Allred's work has had a significant impact on his community and beyond.

39. Despite not being the most talented player on his team, Allred was respected for his work ethic and leadership.
40. His former teammates describe him as focused, level-headed, and serious.
41. In the primary election, Allred received 58.9% of the votes, significantly more than his closest competitor.
42. As of February 2024, Allred had raised more than $18.4 million for his Senate campaign.
43. According to a February poll by the Texas Politics Project, Allred was viewed as favorable by 50% of Democrats.
44. Allred and Ted Cruz are set to debate in October 2024, a significant event in their Senate campaign.
45. Democrats have not won a statewide election in Texas since 1994, making Allred's bid particularly challenging.
46. Allred's campaign has focused on making Texas more competitive, particularly in suburban areas.
47. In 2018, Beto O’Rourke came within 2.5 percentage points of unseating Ted Cruz, showing potential for Democratic candidates.
48. Most recent Senate races in Texas have been won by Republicans by large margins.
49. Democrats are seeking to maintain their narrow Senate majority in 2024, with several seats held by Democrats being targeted by Republicans.
50. Allred's campaign strategy has focused on his bipartisan approach and congressional accomplishments, which he believes will resonate with voters in Texas.

Colin Allred: A Multifaceted Leader

Colin Allred's journey from the football field to the halls of Congress shows his versatility and dedication. Raised by a single mother in North Dallas, he excelled in sports and academics, earning a football scholarship to Baylor University. After a stint in the NFL, a career-ending injury led him to law school and eventually to a role in the Obama administration. As a civil rights attorney, he fought for voting rights and later transitioned to politics, winning a seat in Congress in 2018. Allred's bipartisan approach and advocacy for issues like immigration reform, abortion rights, and veterans' affairs have made him a notable figure in American politics. Now, as he runs for the U.S. Senate, his focus remains on creating an economy that works for everyone, protecting healthcare, and ensuring a fair legal pathway for immigrants. Colin Allred's story is one of resilience, leadership, and commitment to public service.