Rusty Shackleford, 31, of East Texas, said Allred is “taking Texas away from extremism and putting it in the purple state.”

Carolyn Bush, 73, of Everman, like many of Allred’s supporters, has echoed the congresswoman’s statements about sending Cruz to Cancun and away from state office. “Ted Cruz does not support the real people of Texas. It’s time for him to move on, and I’m here to make sure he does,” she said.

The event at the bar attracted a diverse audience. There were groups of Black friends, Asian American supporters, a Latina mother with her children in tow, white women in colorful hats — all sharing an optimism about the upcoming election. And while Allred hasn’t made his biracial identity a major part of his campaign, the significance of his race and its diverse base is not lost on him.

“My story is about growing up as a black kid in Texas, coming home to a white family every night,” Allred said later at the phone banking event in Dallas. “That has given me some insight and empathy to understand some of the differences you see in our society, but also the similarities. What I have always tried to do is reduce the gap between us, not just based on race, but based on all the factors that can separate you in everyday life.”

During the phone banking event, Allred posed for photos with 6-year-old Jerrin Norris, a little black boy whose mother calls an “Allred Stan.” Norris’ mother, Passion Jackson, 43, has immersed Norris in community involvement since he was a baby, taking him along to volunteer on campaigns and at political events.

Although he is too young to vote, Norris has made his views clear.

“The reason I like him,” said Norris, “is because he is the best, and he wants to help our state and keep us safe!”