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Collins Wins GOP House Primary In Texas 32nd District

Genevieve Collins For Congress
Genevieve Collins

Genevieve Collins has won the Republican primary for the 32nd Congressional District, one of the most closely-watched races in North Texas. 

Five candidates were vying for the seat in the district, which includes much of Dallas County and part of Collin County.

At her watch party Tuesday night, Collins received a rousing welcome when she walked in to greet her supporters. Her goal, she said, is to take back the district from Democrat Colin Allred in the general election.

“His election was part of a cycle in 2018 that was part of a referendum year,” Collins said. “And I believe that it was also part of just we didn’t show as Republicans and conservatives that we were listening to our community.” 

Democrats took control of the seat after Allred defeated longtime Republican Pete Sessions in 2018. The district has become more diverse and more Democratic in recent years. Allred ran unopposed in Tuesday's Democratic primary. 

The 33-year-old touts her pro-business platform, that she’s a native Texan and that she’s a woman.

Collins got nearly 53% of the vote, which means she will avoid a runoff. Her closest challenger was 46 year-old Floyd McClendon, a military veteran and former U.S. Navy SEAL.

Stella M. Chávez is an investigative reporter for The Texas Newsroom, a collaboration between NPR and member stations around the state. She's based at KERA in Dallas and is currently reporting on how state government is working with federal agencies on immigration enforcement and border security.