Bad news for Cruz as poll finds him in 'virtual dead heat' with Dem opponent: report

Texas US Senate candidate Colin Allred, a Democrat, is trailing behind incumbent, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), by only one point, according to an Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey published Wednesday, The Hill reports.

In efforts to oust Cruz — who is seeking reelection for his third six-year term — Houston Public Media notes that "Allred has been making a play for both traditional Democratic voters in Texas and more centrist and moderate-minded voters.

Allred, who's a former NFL star, successfully defeated Republican incumbent Rep. Pete Sessions in 2018, to represent the Lone Star State's 32nd Congressional District.

READ MORE: How a career-ending injury as an NFL linebacker paved the way for Colin Allred’s Senate bid

Now, Allred and Cruz are "in a virtual dead heat," The Hill reports, with the race becoming "even tighter than Emerson’s previous poll of the race from September, when Cruz led by 4 points, 49 percent to 45 percent."

The news outlet notes, "Part of Allred’s competitiveness in the poll comes from a slight lead among independents, 47 percent to 42 percent."

The latest Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey comes days after the Dallas Morning Herald – Texas' largest daily newspaper — published a front-page editorial endorsing Allred, and calling out Cruz "for promoting 'the politics of division,'" as well as his support for Donald Trump's ploy to overturn the 2020 election.

READ MORE: Texas’ largest newspaper gives 'bipartisan' Cruz challenger glowing endorsement

The Hill's report is available at this link. Houston Public Media's report is here.