A new challenger has entered the race for the Democrat nomination for one of Texas’ U.S. Senate seats.
State Rep. Carl Sherman Sr. (D–DeSoto) announced Saturday that he will be running to challenge U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, saying he’s ready to fight for all Texans.
“Texas needs a United States senator who will stand up for all of us, our children, our families, small-business owners, and the working people of Texas. We need more good paying jobs in Texas, not just jobs, but good-paying jobs,” Sherman told the liberal publication Texas Tribune.
Sherman enters an already crowded Democrat primary field that includes U.S. Rep. Colin Allred (D–TX), Texas State Sen. Roland Gutierrez (D–San Antonio), and former Nueces County District Attorney Mark Gonzalez.
Sherman—formerly the mayor of DeSoto—was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2018. He also currently serves as senior pastor at the Church of Christ in Hutchins.
In an interview with WFAA, Sherman shrugged off any disadvantage people believe he has for the delayed start, saying he has the right message and is willing to do what it takes to defend Texans’ liberties.
“I intend to win because I think that we have the right message and I believe we’ve got the work that shows that we’re willing to do whatever it takes to defend the rights of every Texan.”
However, in 2021 Sherman earned a 5 out of 100 rating from Texas Right to Life for his votes during the 87th Legislative Session. Sherman voted to oppose Senate Bill 8, also known as the Texas Heartbeat Act, which made it illegal for an individual in Texas to kill an unborn child once the baby’s heartbeat was detected.
Sherman has also earned a career ‘F’ rating on Texans for Fiscal Responsibility’s index. His current rating for the 2023 legislative session is a 29 out of 100.
According to Transparency USA, Sherman donated $10,000 to Beto O’Rourke’s failed gubernatorial campaign in 2022. He also received $6,000 from the pro-gambling Texas Sands PAC.
Following Sherman’s announcement, a Democrat member of the Texas State Board of Education, Aicha Davis, announced she will be running for Sherman’s House seat.
Cruz did not respond to Texas Scorecard’s request for comment before publication.
