Colin Allred, a Democratic Senate candidate in Texas, has hired campaign staffers with progressive views on various political issues such as the war in Israel, gun control, and the abolition of federal immigration authorities. One of his staff members, Michelle Cedeño, has expressed support for Palestine and disdain for Israel on social media. Another staff member, James Burnett, has made remarks criticizing Trump supporters and supporting an assault weapons ban. These views could potentially impact Allred’s moderate-Dem case against GOP Sen. Ted Cruz, whom he is challenging for the Senate seat in November.
Cedeño, who serves as the digital mobilization manager for Allred’s campaign, has shared posts on social media that are seemingly anti-police and anti-ICE. She has also made disparaging remarks about President Biden and Pete Buttigieg, expressing frustration when Buttigieg was appointed to a cabinet position. Burnett, the political coordinator for the campaign, has made comments suggesting Trump supporters are racist and questioning the intelligence of the same group. He has also called for the abolition of the Electoral College and criticized officials like Texas Gov. Greg Abbott over immigration-related issues.
Hannah Fishman, the digital director for Allred’s campaign, has shared controversial opinions online, including comments on the removal of a Robert E. Lee statue and the funding of groups like the sons/daughters of confederate veterans. She has also expressed support for a group that bails out alleged violent criminals. Jaycee Weber, the digital content manager for the campaign, has shared remarks calling for the abolition of ICE and expressing admiration for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. These staff members’ views may be contrary to what many Texas voters believe, potentially impacting Allred’s campaign.
Allred’s district includes the northeastern corner of Dallas and its suburbs. He won the Democratic primary election for the Senate, beating five other Democratic hopefuls. Allred’s campaign did not provide comment on the staff members’ controversial remarks. His campaign is focused on flipping the high-profile Senate seat from red to blue in an attempt to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, who has represented Texas in the Senate since 2013. Allred has expressed support for Israel and is running on a moderate-Dem platform against Cruz. It remains to be seen how the views expressed by his staff members could impact his campaign moving forward.
