In a heated debate on Tuesday, Texas Senate candidates Ted Cruz and Colin Allred clashed over key issues, including abortion rights and border security. Allred criticized Cruz's stance on reproductive laws, while Cruz defended his record on immigration and economic policy.

The Texas U.S. Senate race ignited tensions as incumbent Ted Cruz debated Democratic challenger Colin Allred on Tuesday in Dallas. The two candidates engaged in a vigorous discussion on critical issues such as border security, reproductive rights, and the economy, underscoring their significant policy differences.
Polling data indicates that Cruz has a slim four-point advantage over Allred, who utilized the debate to challenge the senator's position on abortion. Allred targeted Texas's stringent abortion laws, alleging that Cruz backs legislation that compels victims of rape to carry pregnancies to term. "26,000 women have been compelled to give birth to the child of their rapist under this law you deem perfectly reasonable." This does not represent freedom. Allred asserted, "I trust Texas women to make their own decisions."
Cruz countered by criticizing Allred’s record, highlighting his stance against parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions. "He cast his vote to repeal Texas's laws regarding parental notification and consent." "Cruz claimed that he even supported late-term abortions."
The discussion also underscored significant divisions regarding border security. Cruz took issue with Allred's position on immigration, alleging that he advocates for open borders and has committed to removing border barriers. "He refers to it as a 'racist border wall,' yet during Trump's presidency, we effectively secured the border and reached the lowest rate of illegal immigration in 45 years," stated Cruz.
The debate highlighted a heated competition as both candidates sought to win over voters in the lead-up to the election.
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