Politics in Texas is rarely just about policy. It’s about the person. For Colin Allred, the former NFL linebacker turned civil rights attorney and Congressman, his identity is often at the center of the conversation.
So, let's just get to the point. Is Colin Allred Black?
Yes. But like many Americans, the answer has layers. Allred is biracial—born to a Black father and a white mother. He was raised in Dallas by his mom, Judith Allred, a dedicated public school teacher who often worked two jobs to keep things moving.
Honestly, Allred’s story is about as "Texas" as it gets. He’s a fourth-generation Texan. He grew up in a single-parent household, never having met his father. That absence shaped much of who he is today, forcing him to rely on what he calls a "village" of mentors, coaches, and family members.
The Heritage People Keep Asking About
While the "is Colin Allred Black" question pops up on search engines constantly, Allred himself has never been shy about it. He is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. In Washington, he’s been a vocal advocate for civil rights, drawing directly from his experiences as a man of color navigating high-stakes environments like the NFL and the halls of Congress.
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It’s kinda interesting to look at his family tree. While his father was Black, his mother’s side of the family has deep, deep roots in Texas history. In fact, he’s actually related to a former Texas Governor, James V. Allred. Talk about a weird twist of fate—having a lineage that spans from the governor's mansion to the front lines of civil rights litigation.
He spent summers in Brownsville visiting his grandmother. His grandfather was a customs officer who served in the Pacific during World War II. You can see how that mix of histories—the Black American experience and the white, rural Texas tradition—created the moderate, "bipartisan" brand of politics he’s known for now in 2026.
Why His Identity Mattered in the 2024 and 2026 Races
Politics is a game of "who do you represent?" When Allred ran against Ted Cruz in 2024, his identity was a bridge. He could talk to Black voters in Houston one day and then head to a suburban BBQ in Dallas the next without skipping a beat.
He didn't win that Senate seat, but he outran the top of the ticket by over 5%. That says something. People were looking at him, not just the "D" next to his name.
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Now, in 2026, things have shifted again. After a brief second stint at a Senate run, he’s currently focused on the 33rd Congressional District. It’s a newly drawn map, and the competition is fierce. His opponent, Julie Johnson, hasn't held back, suggesting that Allred’s previous losses might be a sign he’s losing touch.
But Allred leans into his background to counter that. He talks about his sons, Jordan and Cameron, and how being a biracial father in today’s climate informs his stance on everything from policing to paid family leave.
Breaking Down the Common Misconceptions
People sometimes get confused because "Allred" doesn't sound like a traditionally Black surname. Well, that’s because it’s his mother’s name. Since he was raised entirely by his mom’s side of the family, that’s the name he carries.
- He’s biracial: Black father, white mother.
- Raised by a single mom: Judith Allred was the primary influence in his life.
- A "Village" upbringing: His aunt Tess and uncle Jim were huge figures in his childhood.
There’s also this weird idea that because he played in the NFL, he had it easy. If anything, he’s used that to argue the opposite. He often says, "You shouldn't have to be a ballplayer to get ahead in life." He was a standout at Hillcrest High, went to Baylor on a full ride, and then spent four seasons as a linebacker for the Tennessee Titans.
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When a neck injury ended his career in 2010, he didn't just sit on his NFL earnings. He went to UC Berkeley for law school. He worked for the Obama administration. He became a voting rights lawyer. He’s lived a few different lives by age 42.
What Allred Is Doing Right Now (2026)
If you're following the Texas primaries this March, Allred is the name to watch. He’s back in the House race for the 33rd District. It’s a bit of a homecoming, though the district lines have moved around enough that he’s basically introducing himself to new neighbors.
He’s running on a platform that’s "moderate" but firm on civil rights. He’s been the most bipartisan member of the Texas delegation before, and he’s betting that North Texans are tired of the constant bickering.
Basically, whether you’re looking at his NFL stats or his voting record, Colin Allred’s identity is tied to being a guy who bridges gaps. He’s Black, he’s Texan, he’s an athlete, and he’s a lawyer. In a state as big and messy as Texas, maybe that’s exactly why people keep Googling him.
To stay updated on the race, keep an eye on the local Dallas primary results this spring. If you want to dive deeper into his actual policy work, checking his recent filings on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act or his work with the Congressional Black Caucus will give you a clearer picture of how he translates his personal identity into legislative action.