DALLAS—In the only debate between Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic Rep. Colin Allred, the candidates sparred over abortion, illegal immigration, and transgender rights in a close race that could determine which party controls the U.S. Senate.
Democrats have long dreamed of flipping Texas blue, although a Democrat has not been elected on the statewide level in 30 years.
Because of Democrat Beto O’Rourke’s surprisingly close race with Cruz in 2018, Democrats view Texas as a potential Senate pickup.
Cruz, a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump, is in a tight race with Allred, a former NFL linebacker on his third term in the House of Representatives….