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U.S. Rep. Colin Allred and state Sen. Roland Gutierrez, who will face each other in the 2024 Democratic primary as they seek to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, presented competing visions Saturday during The Texas Tribune Festival panels.
Next year, Cruz is aiming for a third term in the U.S. Senate.
Allred, a Democrat from Dallas, emphasized his commitment to addressing contentious issues such as abortion and gun reform, where lawmakers often hold divergent views. He expressed his intent to collaborate with members from both sides of the aisle, acknowledging the fundamental disagreements between the parties on these matters. Despite these differences, he asserted that there are currently opportunities for bipartisan agreements to be reached.
Allred emphasized that legislative efforts cannot be accomplished individually and must be a collective endeavor.
He expressed his intention to find middle ground regarding background checks, red flag laws, and increasing the age limit for buying firearms. It is important to note that Texas does not currently mandate background checks for firearm purchases, and lacks red flag laws that empower authorities to seize weapons if a judge determines a person poses a threat to themselves or others.
Describing Texas’ abortion law as a “disaster,” Allred highlighted the implementation of trigger laws in the state following the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade. These laws effectively ban abortion in most circumstances, allowing it only in situations where the life of the mother is at risk.
“He expressed his distress over the heart-wrenching stories, highlighting the discussion on restricting interstate travel for women within the state, deeming it as unacceptable. Allred expressed his belief that Congress has the capability to enact legislation safeguarding reproductive rights nationwide.”
Gutierrez presented a conflicting perspective on bipartisanship during a different panel, countering Allred’s viewpoint.
He expressed his disinterest in any form of political rhetoric or purported bipartisan gradualism.
According to Gutierrez, Republicans in Congress have shown no willingness to cooperate, therefore, he believes it is necessary to vigorously oppose and challenge every proposal they present.
If elected to the Senate, Gutierrez, who represents Uvalde in his district, plans to pursue a federal ban on assault weapons in response to the tragic incident in May 2022.
In the wake of the deadly shooting at Robb Elementary School, Gutierrez slammed law enforcement’s response and Texas’ loose gun laws. In this year’s legislative session, he introduced four pieces of legislation aimed at increasing gun safety and accountability for law enforcement officials.
None of the bills passed.
The San Antonio Democrat refrained from explicitly stating the specific measures he would undertake in Congress regarding abortion rights.
As The Texas Tribune’s signature event of the year, The Texas Tribune Festival brings Texans closer to politics, policy and the day’s news from Texas and beyond. Browse on-demand recordings and catch up on the biggest headlines from Festival events at the Tribune’s Festival news page.