Former Rep Colin Allred (D-TX) has announced he is running in the primary against out incumbent gay Rep. Julie Johnson (D-TX) to represent Texas newly drawn 33rd district. It is one of the few attainable seats for Democrats in the Dallas-Fort Worth area after the Supreme Court approved the GOPs new and heavily gerrymandered map.Johnson replaced Allred in Congress after he vacated his seat to run for Senate last year. He was originally planning to run for Senate in 2026 as well, but in the wake of Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) announcing her Senate run, he said this week he is ending that campaign to instead run for Johnsons House seat to avoid a contentious Senate primary runoff. Related Rep. Julie Johnson lays out how Democrats should resist: Every act of defiance needs to happen Last year, Allred caused controversy in the Democratic party when he became the first federal-level Democratic candidate everto release a TV adresponding to Republican transphobic attacks.I dont want boys playing girls sports, Allred said in the ad, responding to several aired on behalf of his Republican opponent for the Senate, anti-LGBTQ+ Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX). Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Today, the danger we face from Donald Trump is at an all time high and has added a level of corruption and rigging of our economy that has made it harder than ever for Texans. But Ive never been more confident that together, we can meet this moment. I hope youll join us: Colin Allred (@ColinAllredTX) December 8, 2025Trans advocates insinuated at the time that Allreds ad was transphobic and needless, seeing as most American voters arent concerned about transgender athletes.Johnson the first out woman elected to Congress from the South posted a long statement to social media on Monday slamming Allred for parachuting back to a Congressional run because his other campaign didnt work out. This new district deserves representation that has been present in the tough moments, she said, including through the redistricting fight.I know these communities not because they appeared on a newly drawn map, but because I have been here, doing the work through every challenge weve faced, she said. Ive spent most of my life in North Texas. I didnt just live here; I showed up, stayed involved, and worked alongside families who needed someone willing to fight with them and for them. Long before I ever held public office, I was advocating for people who were ignored or pic.twitter.com/Q8AwGd4Ri9 Julie Johnson for Congress (@juliejohnsonTX) December 8, 2025In March, Johnson told LGBTQ Nation it feels awesome to think about being a role model for young queer women. You know, its humbling and its empowering and its inspiring all at the same time, she added. Its not lost on me what the visibility of my election represents and what it means to people, especially in red states where they dont have a lot of folks in elected office that seem to be standing up for our community. And so the fact that I was able to win a congressional seat in a state like Texas is very significant, and it shows that progress can be made. We just have to be thoughtful and aggressive about putting ourselves in the arena and not be afraid.She also said that one of the best things about representing her district in Congress is having a real opportunity to move the needle on policy and social thinking and the commentary and the conversation and the public dialogue. In the wake of Allreds announcement, the Human Rights Campaign issued a statement supporting Johnson. Julie Johnson is a history maker who has dedicated her career in public service to making life better for her constituents in Texas, the organization declared. She is an important and needed voice in the House of Representatives who will continue the fight for equality and dignity for all. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Human Rights Campaign (@humanrightscampaign)Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.