A dramatic redistricting upheaval in Texas is setting up one of 2026’s most closely watched Democratic primaries. Former U.S. Representative Colin Allred is launching a bid to unseat current U.S. Representative Julie Johnson, the first out LGBTQ+ person ever elected to Congress from Texas, just as U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett enters the U.S. Senate race. Johnson, who succeeded Allred in Congress after he vacated the seat for a 2024 Senate run, now faces a fight for political survival.
Her 32nd District was dismantled under a mid-decade GOP redistricting, pushing her into the newly created 33rd District — the same district Allred now plans to contest. About one-third of the district’s residents previously lived in Allred’s former seat. Allred cast his run as personal, describing the 33rd as the community where he grew up, attended public schools, and now raises his own family. Johnson, however, calls Allred’s return a political recalculation rather than community-rooted leadership.
She noted that she has represented thousands of families in the district since 2018. “This new district deserves representation that has been present in the tough moments, including throughout the redistricting fight, instead of parachuting back when another campaign doesn’t work out.” LGBTQ+ political groups have quickly lined up behind her. Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson said the organization proudly stands with her, while Equality PAC vowed it won’t let anyone take that away without a fight.
