Running Black: Ex-NFL Player Rep. Colin Allred Could Make History In Texas

Jan. 11, 2026 – 01:54 – For theGrio’s “Running Black” election profile series, Managing Editor of Politics Gerren Keith Gaynor (@MrGerrenalist) chats with Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas. After serving two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, Allred is seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate. The former professional football player and fourth-generation Texan says he is running for statewide office because the state “can’t afford six more years of [Republican Senator] Ted Cruz.” If elected, Allred would become the first Black American elected to the Senate from the state of Texas, something he says would be “incredibly important” for the state. Read more about Allred’s Senate campaign on theGrio.com!