Democrats Colin Allred, Lillian Salerno Begin 10-week Sprint for the Chance to Oust Pete Sessions

Whether it's education, jobs, health care or immigration, Democrats Colin Allred and Lillian Salerno have similar views on the issues facing Texans.So in their May 22 runoff for Congressional District 32, the friendly rivals will have to convince voters that they represent the best chance to oust incumbent Republican Pete Sessions from office.The candidates had disparate reasons for why they could handle the tough task of winning the Republican-leaning district that Sessions has represented since 2003. He's been in Congress since 1997.Both candidates have pledged to continue positive campaigns, while casting themselves as the champions for voters looking for change. As a black man and a woman, they are showcases for the Democratic Party's diversity.Allred, the former NFL player turned civil rights lawyer, said his deep roots in the district would make a difference. On Tuesday, before he finished first with 39 percent of the vote in a seven-candidate field, Allred said he greeted voters at Hillcrest High School, where he was a football standout.He said most of his successes in life tracked back to growing up in the area."They gave me the platform to do the things I've done," Allred said. "There's always some connection we can make. That's the biggest difference, that hometown connection."  Continue reading...