BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — All eyes are on the Texas Senate race, as the countdown begins for the only debate between Republican Incumbent Senator Ted Cruz and Democratic North Texas Congressman Colin Allred.
The two will face off in downtown Dallas on Tuesday night. KENS 5’s sister station WFAA is hosting the debate. You can watch it starting at 7 p.m. on KENS 5 or stream it free on KENS 5+ on Roku, Fire TV and Apple TV.
Bexar County Republican and Democratic Party Chairs gave their take on what they would like to see on the debate stage.
Bexar County Democratic Party Chairwoman Monica Alcántara said she believes Allred is someone Texans can trust.
“This race is really important,” Alcántara said. “We have our full faith that Colin Allred is going to win.”
Chairwoman of the Republican Party of Bexar County Kris Coons believes otherwise.
“We are not going to lose that seat,” Coons said. “Senator Cruz is going to win this seat.”
Alcántara said Congressman Allred, at the debate, needs to continue to show that he is for Texans.
“Just to be able to show the public who he is, how strong of a candidate he is, and how he stands on the same values that we can stand on and that we can count on him,” she said.
As for Coons, she said Senator Cruz needs to connect with people about the work he has done in his last two terms.
“I think like he always does, looks directly at the camera and tells them what he has accomplished, and what he will continue to do for us, I don’t think there will be an issue for us at all,” she said.
The campaign has been filled with political attack ads from both sides on issues such as abortion and immigration. Money and fundraising have also been very competitive.
In the latest quarter of fundraising, reports show Allred collected $30 million, while Cruz brought in $21 million. Democrats are hoping to flip the seat, Alcántara believes Allred has a chance.
“I believe with the work that he has done, showing us who he is, making sure that he is out fundraising, and getting on top of the TV,” she said. “Also, standing for what Democrats stand for, I believe that he does.”
However, Coons said despite polling showing a tight race, she’s confident Cruz who is seeking his third term, will come out ahead.
“I do believe we are going to pull this out,” she said. “Senator Cruz knows what he has to do. He has the support.”
This debate comes at a crucial time, as early voting starts Monday, October 21. Election day is November 5.
The Texas Debate starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 15. You can watch the debate on KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app and KENS 5+.
According to WFAA: Here are the rules agreed upon by both campaigns:
- Candidates will get 60 seconds to introduce themselves
- Candidates will get 90 seconds to answer a question
- The opponent will then get 90 seconds to respond
- The first candidate will then get 60 seconds for rebuttal
- Moderators will have a 60-second follow-up if needed
- At the end of the hour, candidates will get 60 seconds to make their final pitch to voters