NORTH TEXAS – Hundreds of AFL-CIO members in Dallas welcomed North Texas Congressman and U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Collin Allred to a Labor Day breakfast, the first of three labor-focused trips for Allred, with additional stops planned in Fort Worth and Waco.
“When you elect me to the United States Senate, you’re electing a union-card senator,” Allred said.
Recent polls have put Allred and Sen. Ted Cruz two percentage points apart, with analysts still seeing the two-term Republican incumbent as the favorite. But Allred told CBS News Texas on Monday that he’s been in this position before.
“In 2018, when I ran against Pete Sessions, a 22-year incumbent who was unopposed in the last election, nobody thought we would win. There are still many doubters, but I have confidence in our state and our people,” Allred said.
At the breakfast, AFL-CIO members endorsed Allred and Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I’m so excited to have strong Democrats who are going to work for the people and not for themselves,” said Cathy Welsey of Dallas.
“We want Kamala Harris and Waltz to be the nominee because we feel they are on our side and understand our struggles,” Alberta Crawford of Dallas told CBS News Texas.
North Texas Republicans are also fired up. Hundreds of people attended the Collin County Republican Party’s Labor Day picnic in Plano. Among the speakers was Steve Kinard, who is running for Plano’s Texas House of Representatives seat in the 70th Congressional District.
“We’re going to keep Texas Texas,” Kinard said.
Education is a top priority for Colby DeLeon, as he explained why he decided to attend the picnic for the first time.
“This is my children’s future, this is my future, this is everybody’s future, and honestly, we need to make America great again,” DeLeon said.
Edna Brown, a Collin County Republican, said she is ready to vote in November.
“I’m very energized. I think a change is needed,” Brown said.
State Rep. Matt Shaheen, who represents Plano and Frisco, told CBS News Texas that Republicans are supporting Sen. Cruz and former President Donald Trump.
“We want to see Trump back in the White House, we’re really worried about Kamala Harris and what four years under her leadership means, so we’re going to have Republicans fired up in November,” Shaheen said.
Meanwhile, Cruz has three campaign stops planned in North Texas on Tuesday, including Carrollton, San Antonio and Houston.
If you plan to vote this year, be sure to register to vote by October 7. To check if you’re registered, visit the state’s website at VoteTexas.gov.
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Jack Fink
