Republican Ted Cruz has won a third consecutive term as a U.S. senator from Texas after a tough challenge from a former NFL star.The veteran lawmaker and former presidential candidate defeated Democratic challenger Rep. Colin Allred 54 percent to 43 percent, the Associated Press projected.’The results tonight, this decisive victory, should shake the Democrat establishment to its core,’ Cruz said during a speech to supporters at his watch party in downtown Houston. The race for Senate in the Lone Star State was uncomfortably close for Republicans who have had a hold on the state for decades. Recent polls had put the two political foes within a single point of one another, with Allred taking the lead just a few weeks ago.Due to changing demographics and a population ballooning with ex-pats from liberal California and the like, the race was a close call for Cruz. Trump still comfortably won the state of Texas, getting nearly 55% of the vote when the Associated Press made the race call.  Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Democratic opponent, Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas
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The Republican also sent his best wishes to Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer in a zinger on Election Night.’I want to say, thank you, Chuck,’ he said. ‘And I hope we win a few more Senate seats tonight because you wasted so much money in Texas.’ The Texas Republican Party celebrated Cruz’s win in a statement: ‘Texans have voted to keep Texas, Texas,’ ‘Senator Ted Cruz will return to DC for a third term to represent Texas values. The Republican Party of Texas is proud to fight alongside the grassroots, volunteers, and donors in support of Ted Cruz. Together we will continue to defend Texas, and save America!’ 
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Allred, 41, a former civil rights lawyer and three-term congressman from Dallas, was within the margin of error of some polls with Cruz ahead of Election Day.  Republicans were jittery over the race.  Democrats have been eyeing Texas as a Republican seat that could be vulnerable.And Allred has repeatedly bashed the Republican on his abortion agenda. The towering former Tennessee Titan had carved out effective attacks on Cruz.Texas, a Republican-held state with stricter abortion laws than most places, has come under scrutiny since Roe v. Wade was overturned in the summer of 2022. 
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Ted Cruz speaks during a bus tour campaign rally. Cruz held a 2 point lead with a week to go against Democratic Senate candidate Rep. Colin Allred Texas Democratic Senate candidate Colin Allred reacts at a campaign rally, of Democratic presidential nominee U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris with singer Beyonce, in Houston, Texas, U.S., October 25, 2024 Allred with Beyonce after an event for Kamala Harris But the Republican Cruz’s message about Democrats being to blame for immigration and economic woes – the two top issues in Texas – appears to have sealed his reelection.Six years ago Democrat Beto O’Rourke appeared as though he may be hurdling towards an upset, just to be defeated by 2.5 points. The funding for the race was staggering. Allred raised $80 million to Cruz’s $86 million through the election cycle as of October 16, Federal Election Commission records show. 
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Linebacker Colin Allred #56 of the Tennessee Titans sets for play against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on August 22, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia Cruz’s campaign ran with the slogan ‘Keep Texas Texas’The combined total of $166 million makes it the most expensive U.S. Senate race in Texas history. A Democrat has not held statewide office in Texas in 30 years. Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott celebrated Cruz’s win posting on X: ‘Congratulations Senator [Cruz] on your big win!”Senator Cruz will continue to defend Texas values of freedom, liberty, and prosperity in the U.S. Senate. Working together, we’ll keep Texas, Texas.’