Such was the case with the marquee Senate race between Republican incumbent Ted Cruz and U.S. Rep. Colin Allred. Allred’s nearly 9-point loss to Cruz was disappointing for Democrats hoping the Dallas congressman would give the party its first statewide win in 30 years.

Cruz, 53, fought back, seeking in the final weeks of the campaign to paint Allred as wanting to allow boys to play in girls sports. He also tied Allred, 43, to Vice President Kamala Harris, who was expected to lose the presidential vote in the state, calling the two Democrats “dos liberales,” or, “two liberals” in Spanish-language advertising.

Cruz is currently polling at 55.6% to Allred’s 42.3%, following one of the most-expensive congressional contests in Texas history.

Texas voters on both sides of the political spectrum had strong opinions about Sen. Ted Cruz’s decisive victory over Colin Allred on Tuesday. Statewide, Cruz led Allred, 54% to 44%. In Dallas County and Tarrant County,

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) won reelection to his Texas Senate seat in a closely watched race against Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX), a boost for Republicans’ quest for control of the upper chamber.

Incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic challenger Colin Allred's Senate race is among the most closely watched this election cycle.

Cruz polled at 53.15% to Allred’s 44.46%, following one of the most-expensive congressional contests in Texas history.

The Fox News Decision Desk projected that incumbent Texas Sen. Ted Cruz would defeat his Democrat opponent Rep. Colin Allred Tuesday, winning a third term in the U.S. Senate.