History of Colin Allred in Timeline
Colin Zachary Allred is a Democratic U.S. representative for Texas's 32nd congressional district. Before entering politics, Allred was a lawyer and professional football player. His district encompasses the northeastern portion of Dallas and its surrounding suburbs, including Garland, Richardson, Sachse, Wylie, the Park Cities, and Rowlett.
1968: Last Democrat Representation in the District
The area that now comprises much of the 32nd district hadn't been represented by a Democrat since 1968 when it was part of the 3rd district.
April 15, 1983: Colin Allred is Born
Colin Allred was born on April 15, 1983, in Dallas, Texas.
1997: Pete Sessions' Congressional Career Begins
Pete Sessions began his career in Congress in 1997, holding a seat for over two decades.
2003: Texas's 32nd Congressional District is Created
The 32nd congressional district of Texas was created in 2003.
December 2005: Allred Graduates from Baylor University
Colin Allred graduated from Baylor University with a B.A. in history in December 2005, having also played as a linebacker for the Baylor Bears football team.
May 4, 2006: Allred Signs with Tennessee Titans
Colin Allred signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 4, 2006, following the NFL Draft.
January 26, 2007: Allred Re-signs with Titans
After being waived in August 2006, Colin Allred re-signed with the Tennessee Titans on January 26, 2007.
December 16, 2007: Allred Makes NFL Debut
On December 16, 2007, Colin Allred made his NFL regular season debut after being promoted to the Tennessee Titans' active roster.
2007: Allred Begins Four-Season Stint with Titans
Colin Allred started his four-season stint with the Tennessee Titans, playing from 2007 to 2010, during which he appeared in 32 games and made 46 tackles.
2010: Allred's Time with Titans Concludes
Colin Allred's time with the Tennessee Titans came to an end in 2010.
2011: Allred Becomes a Free Agent
Colin Allred became a free agent in 2011 but did not sign with another NFL team, marking the end of his professional football career.
2014: Allred Earns Law Degree and Joins Obama Administration
After graduating with a J.D. from UC Berkeley School of Law in 2014, Colin Allred joined the Obama administration as a special assistant in the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of General Counsel, working with Secretary Julian Castro.
November 2016: Texas's 32nd District Deemed a Swing District
In November 2016, Texas's 32nd congressional district was considered a swing district as Hillary Clinton narrowly won the district in the presidential election while Pete Sessions retained his seat. Allred positioned himself as a moderate Democrat in the upcoming election.
March 25, 2017: Marriage to Alexandra Eber
Colin Allred married Alexandra Eber on March 25, 2017.
April 21, 2017: Allred Launches Congressional Campaign
On April 21, 2017, Colin Allred announced his campaign to challenge incumbent Republican Pete Sessions in the 2018 election for Texas's 32nd congressional district.
November 6, 2018: Allred Wins Congressional Seat
On November 6, 2018, Colin Allred won the election for Texas's 32nd congressional district, defeating long-time incumbent Pete Sessions. This victory was considered an upset, making Allred the second person and first Democrat to represent the district.
November 2018: Allred Elected Co-President of Democratic Freshmen
In November 2018, Colin Allred was elected co-president of the Democratic freshmen of the 116th Congress, sharing the role with fellow Obama administration alumna Haley Stevens.
2018: Allred Wins Democratic Primary Runoff
In 2018, Colin Allred secured the Democratic nomination for Texas's 32nd congressional district by winning the primary runoff election against Lillian Salerno.
February 2019: Allred Endorses Julian Castro for President
In February 2019, Colin Allred endorsed his former boss, Julian Castro, in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries. He later endorsed Joe Biden after Castro withdrew from the race.
December 18, 2019: Allred Votes for Trump's First Impeachment
Colin Allred voted in favor of both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump on December 18, 2019.
2019: Birth of First Son
Colin Allred and his wife Alexandra welcomed their first son in 2019.
2019: Allred Opposes Troop Deployment on Southern Border
In 2019, Colin Allred opposed deploying troops along the southern border.
2020: The 2020 Democratic Presidential Primaries Take Place
The 2020 Democratic presidential primaries took place, with various candidates vying for the nomination.
January 2021: Allred Votes for Trump's Second Impeachment
Colin Allred voted to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time in January 2021.
January 2021: Allred Advocates for COVID-19 Vaccination
In January 2021, Colin Allred strongly advocated for COVID-19 vaccination as the most crucial step to combat the pandemic, even while supporting economic stimulus measures. He argued that "[n]o amount of aid of any kind is going to allow us to outspend this virus." Allred opposed overriding Medicare and Medicaid rules that mandated vaccination for healthcare workers.
2021: Birth of Second Son
Colin Allred and his wife, Alexandra, had their second son in 2021.
2021: Allred's Votes Align with Biden Administration
During the 117th United States Congress (2021-2022), Colin Allred's votes consistently aligned with the Biden Administration's positions.
2021: Allred Seeks Earmarks for District Projects
In 2021, Colin Allred requested over $241 million in earmarks to fund projects in his district, primarily focused on improvements at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
2022: Allred Votes Consistently with Biden's Agenda
As of 2022, Colin Allred has consistently voted in line with President Joe Biden's positions.
2022: Allred Votes for Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
Following the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas in 2022, Colin Allred voted in favor of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which aimed to enhance gun safety measures. He has also expressed support for a federal assault weapons ban.
May 3, 2023: Allred Announces Candidacy for U.S. Senate
On May 3, 2023, Colin Allred announced his candidacy for the 2024 United States Senate election in Texas, challenging incumbent Ted Cruz.
October 2023: Allred Votes for Support to Israel
Colin Allred voted to provide support to Israel in October 2023, following the Hamas attack.
December 2023: Allred Supports Condemnation of Anti-Zionism
Colin Allred voted in favor of House Resolution 894 in December 2023, which condemned anti-Zionism as a form of antisemitism.
2023: Allred Opposes U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Syria
In 2023, Colin Allred voted against H.Con.Res. 21, which aimed to direct President Joe Biden to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.
2023: Allred Supports Gun Safety Measures
In the aftermath of the 2023 shooting in Cleveland, Texas, Colin Allred reiterated his support for gun safety measures like universal background checks and red-flag laws.
January 2024: Allred Votes to Denounce Biden's Border Policies
In January 2024, Colin Allred was one of a small group of Democrats who voted for a resolution to "denounce the Biden administration's open-borders policies".
March 5, 2024: Allred Wins Democratic Nomination for U.S. Senate
Colin Allred won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate election in Texas on March 5, 2024, securing his place in the November general election against Ted Cruz.