Former congressman Colin Allred has secured the Democratic nomination for Texas' 33rd Congressional District after defeating State Rep. Julie Johnson in Tuesday's runoff election, CBS News projects.
The contest followed the March 3 primary in which neither candidate reached the 50 percent threshold needed to avoid a runoff. Allred finished first with nearly 44 percent of the vote, while Johnson placed second with more than 33 percent.
The runoff campaign turned contentious as the two Democrats traded criticism over their records. Allred focused on Johnson's past stock trades, arguing she had profited from companies he believes are linked to civil rights concerns. "I think are contributing to some of the violations of civil rights around us every day," Allred said during the race.
Allred himself drew scrutiny for his previous votes related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He countered by describing the current administration's use of the agency as a "political tool to attack its enemies."
Throughout the campaign Allred highlighted his North Texas roots and his experience obtaining federal funding for local projects. He positioned himself as a pragmatic problem-solver who would push back against corporate influence in Washington.
Johnson, a state representative, emphasized her legislative work in Austin and her focus on issues affecting Dallas County residents. Reports from the race noted that both candidates sought to draw clear distinctions on policy and experience.
The 33rd District covers portions of Dallas County, an area with a strong Democratic lean in recent election cycles. Allred's victory positions him to face the Republican nominee in the November general election.
According to CBS News, Allred's primary performance and runoff strategy proved sufficient to consolidate support among Democratic voters. The outcome ends a competitive intraparty contest that began after the March primary results.
Local observers noted the race drew attention because of the candidates' differing backgrounds, with Allred having previously served in Congress representing a neighboring district. Johnson had built her profile through state-level work on health care and education policy.
With the nomination now decided, attention in the district shifts to the fall campaign. Allred will need to maintain support among Democratic voters while appealing to independents in a district that includes both urban and suburban areas.
Officials said turnout in the runoff was consistent with expectations for a low-profile primary contest. The results clear the path for Allred to represent the party in the general election against the Republican candidate.