Colin Allred

Colin Z. Allred is an American politician, civil rights lawyer, and former professional football player who served as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 32nd congressional district from 2019 until 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, Allred is recognized for his background in sports and law, as well as for his role in representing a district that encompasses the northeastern corner of Dallas and its surrounding suburbs. His tenure in Congress included three terms, during which he focused on various legislative issues and participated in several committees.

Early life and career

Colin Zachary Allred was born on April 15, 1983, in Dallas, Texas. Raised by his mother, Judith Allred, a public school teacher, he grew up in a single-parent household. Allred identifies as biracial, with a black father and a white mother, and he has noted that he has never met his father. He comes from a family with deep Texas roots, being a fourth-generation Texan and a distant relative of former Texas governor James V. Allred.

Allred attended Hillcrest High School in Dallas, where he demonstrated leadership and athletic prowess. He was involved in multiple sports, including baseball, basketball, and football, and served as class president. His athletic achievements earned him a scholarship to Baylor University, where he continued to excel in football. As a linebacker for the Baylor Bears, Allred played under head coach Guy Morriss and was named team captain and defensive MVP in 2005. He graduated from Baylor in December 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, having also received honors such as All-Big 12 honorable mention and first-team Academic All-Big 12 recognition.

After college, Allred pursued a professional football career. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tennessee Titans in May 2006. Over the course of four seasons with the Titans, he played in 32 games and recorded 46 tackles. His football career was cut short due to a severe neck injury sustained during a game against the Dallas Cowboys in October 2010. Following this injury, Allred made the decision to retire from professional football and transition to law school.

In 2011, Allred enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. He graduated in 2014 with a Juris Doctor degree. During his time in law school, he worked as a research assistant for a prominent professor and author, Ian Haney López. After completing his degree, Allred took on roles that included serving as the Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Director of Voter Protection for Battleground Texas, where he oversaw voter registration efforts and managed a poll watcher program. He later worked as a special assistant in the Office of General Counsel at the Department of Housing and Urban Development during the Obama administration, under Secretary Julian Castro. Following this, Allred practiced as a civil rights attorney at Perkins Coie, focusing on voting rights and representing various political candidates and advocacy organizations.

House tenure

Colin Allred announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives on April 21, 2017, aiming to unseat incumbent Republican Pete Sessions in Texas's 32nd congressional district. His campaign gained momentum in a crowded Democratic primary, where he finished first but did not secure an outright majority. Consequently, he advanced to a runoff election, where he defeated businesswoman Lillian Salerno with a significant majority of the vote.

In the general election held on November 6, 2018, Allred faced Sessions, who had been in Congress since 1997. Allred's victory was considered an upset, as he became the first Democrat to represent the 32nd district since its creation in 2003. His win was notable in a district that had not seen a Democratic representative since 1968, reflecting a shift in the political landscape of the area. Allred's campaign was characterized by his moderate stance and support from influential figures, including civil rights leader John Lewis.

Allred was re-elected in 2020, defeating Republican candidate Genevieve Collins by a substantial margin. He continued to serve in the House, successfully winning a third term in 2022. During his time in office, he was involved in various legislative initiatives and maintained an active presence in his district.

In 2024, Allred decided to pursue a Senate seat rather than seek re-election to the House. He won the Democratic nomination but ultimately lost to Republican incumbent Ted Cruz in the general election. Following this, he announced his intention to run for his former congressional seat in 2026, challenging Julie Johnson in the Democratic primary. Allred successfully secured the nomination through a runoff election.

Legislative focus and committees

During his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Colin Allred focused on a range of legislative issues that reflected his background in civil rights and his commitment to serving his constituents. His work often emphasized the importance of voting rights, healthcare access, and economic opportunities for all Americans. Allred's experience as a civil rights attorney informed his approach to legislation, as he sought to advocate for marginalized communities and promote equitable policies.

Throughout his time in Congress, Allred served on several committees, where he contributed to discussions and decisions on various legislative matters. His committee assignments allowed him to engage with key issues affecting his district and the nation, including those related to housing, education, and public health. Allred's participation in these committees provided him with a platform to influence policy and advocate for the needs of his constituents.

As a member of the Democratic Party, Allred aligned himself with broader party initiatives while also maintaining a moderate stance that appealed to a diverse electorate in his district. His legislative efforts were characterized by a focus on bipartisanship and collaboration, aiming to find common ground on critical issues.

In summary, Colin Z. Allred's career reflects a unique blend of experiences in sports, law, and public service. His journey from professional athlete to civil rights lawyer and U.S. Representative illustrates his commitment to serving his community and advocating for justice and equality. As he continues his political career, Allred remains a prominent figure in Texas politics, with aspirations for future public service.