Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is facing a challenging re-election campaign in Ellis County, a conservative stronghold in Texas. The city of Waxahachie, where Cruz recently held a campaign event, is steeped in history and tradition, making it a fitting backdrop for the senator's bid for a third term.
Ellis County, named after a key figure in Texas' fight for independence, has a long history of supporting Republican candidates in statewide races. However, Cruz is up against a formidable opponent in Rep. Colin Allred, a former NFL linebacker and civil rights lawyer who has mounted a well-funded challenge.