Cruz has represented Texas in the Senate since 2013 and has generally maintained his lead in recent polls, but the surveys show a tight race. At least one put Allred, a U.S. Representative from Dallas, ahead by one point. Were he to win on Nov. 5, he’d achieve what every other statewide Democrat has failed to do since 1994.

Republicans have a stranglehold on every statewide elected office in Texas and control the state Supreme Court, both chambers of the Legislature and both U.S.

Ted Cruz’s re-election campaign has poured resources into attack ads that focus on transgender participation in youth sports. His Democratic opponent, Representative Chris Allred, responded with his own ad.