Democrats versus 49 for the Republicans, meaning the loss of Cruz's seat would be a major blow to the GOP's hopes of seizing the upper chamber in 2024. Newsweek: "Democratic Representative Allred, a former Tennessee Titans linebacker, has publicly criticized Cruz in the past and is 5/1 to win the Texas Senate seat next year. "Cruz still has to be considered the favorite, given name recognition, cash, incumbent status, and a major political machine behind him in the RNC (Republican National Committee) that wants to keep one of its most loyal foot soldiers in power