DALLAS, Texas (KTRK) — During Tuesday night's 60-minute debate in Dallas, both incumbent Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic challenger Congressman Colin Allred focused their energy on their opponents' record and actions.

Cruz characterized Allred as an extremist who is far to the left of Texas values.

“Congressman Allred was an NFL linebacker. It’s not fair for a man to compete against women,” Cruz said, echoing the theme of his television ad.

Allred hit back, telling viewers that Cruz couldn't be trusted to represent their best interests in Washington.

“You don’t have to believe me again,” Allred said. “You’ve seen him lie to you for 12 years.”

On January 6th and the attack on the United States Capitol, Allred called Cruz out for his actions that day.

“You can’t be for the Jan. 6 mob and for the officers. You can’t do that,” he said. “It’s not funny because you’re a threat to democracy.”

Cruz said Allred refused to talk about his own record or defend his positions, again calling him extreme.

“Congressman Allred likes to talk about those who committed violent acts on January 6,” Cruz said, “but you don’t hear him talk about the Antifa and Black Lives Matter riots that burned cities across the country. If you commit to it.” A violent act, you should go to prison, and there should be no political favoritism.

Despite the back and forth, does the debate make a difference for either candidate?

A new poll from the UH-Hobby School of Public Affairs released Tuesday puts the race just outside the margin of error. Cruz is at 50%. Allred is at 46%. Only 3% are undecided. 1% will vote for Libertarian Ted Brown.

When it comes to the issues that matter most to respondents, regardless of who they support, the economy, immigration and border security, and the future of U.S. democracy top the list.

Abortion and women's reproductive health are not among the most frequently mentioned issues.

It was the first question of the evening. Cruz did not respond to repeated questions about whether he supports the Texas law, which does not allow exceptions for rape or incest.

“In Texas, we overwhelmingly agree that taxpayer dollars should not fund abortion,” Cruz said, shifting the focus. “Unfortunately, Congressman Allred’s voting record rejects this Texas consensus.”

Allred said his position on the issue is one that protects women and is more in line with Texans.

“I support the protections and restrictions under Roe. But Senator Cruz simply described himself as pro-life. But you're not. They are not pro-life. It's not pro-life to deny women care until they can.” “I don't have any more children.”

Both men, speaking to their subjects, made their case to the small number of voters who have not yet voted.

“Colin Allred wants to destroy what we have in Texas,” Cruz said. “Because he shares the values ​​of Nancy Pelosi and Kamala Harris. I will fight to keep Texas, Texas.”

Allred made an appeal to those who don't like the current temperature in American politics.

“He introduced this angertainment where you piss people off,” Allred said. “And you do a podcast about it, write a book about it, and make some money from it, but you’re not really there when people need you.”

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