As we approach the final week of the 2024 election season, the stakes are higher than ever for Democrats as they fight to retain control of the US Senate. With critical races unfolding nationwide, the party is in a tight spot, facing limited room for error.

One of the key battlegrounds appears to be Texas, where Democrats are setting their sights on unseating Senator Ted Cruz. It’s a tall order, considering the Lone Star State has not seen a Democrat win a major race in three decades. Historically, Texas has proven to be a challenging terrain for Democrats, often leading to dashed hopes come election day.

The state’s government continues to churn out right-wing policies on issues like immigration, abortion, and education. In fact, the last time a Democratic presidential candidate won Texas was in 1976, with Jimmy Carter.

Cruz, a two-term incumbent, has a well-established network of support that dates back to his 2016 run for the Republican presidential nomination, where he notably won the Iowa caucuses thanks to evangelical voters and finished as Trump’s runner-up. Known as a conservative firebrand in the Senate, Cruz has made headlines by advocating for government shutdowns and frequently engaging in contentious exchanges during committee hearings and media appearances.

Against this backdrop, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is making a bold move by rallying in Houston on Friday alongside the party’s Senate candidate, Congressman Colin Allred. The collaboration aims to energize supporters in what many see as a crucial moment for the party’s chances in Texas.