Roland Gutierrez, a Democratic state senator who has been an outspoken gun-control proponent since last year’s massacre in Uvalde, Texas, announced on Monday that he would seek Senator Ted Cruz’s seat next year.
Mr. Gutierrez, whose district stretches from San Antonio to the Rio Grande and includes Uvalde, is the second major Democratic politician to enter the race, most likely ensuring a high-profile primary contest among Texas Democrats.
Representative Colin Allred, a second-term congressman from the Dallas area, declared his candidacy in May.
Both candidates have entered the race vowing to focus their attacks on Mr. Cruz rather than on any Democratic rivals.
He is a familiar face on cable news, commenting not only on the killings in Uvalde and the delayed police response but also on other mass shootings.
Persons:
Roland Gutierrez, Ted Cruz’s, Gutierrez, Colin Allred, Cruz
Organizations:
Democratic, Texas Democrats, Texas Capitol
Locations:
Uvalde , Texas, San Antonio, Rio Grande, Dallas, Texas, Uvalde