'I've never felt this level of fear' Fmr. TX Rep. Colin Allred on immigration crackdowns

Government Shutdown & Political Accountability - Voters attribute the government shutdown primarily to President Trump and Republicans (39%), while 30% blame Democrats, and 31% attribute fault to both parties [1] - Texas Republicans are attempting to place blame for the shutdown on Democrats [4] - Democrats emphasize their willingness to negotiate, contrasting it with the perceived unwillingness of Republicans [5][6][8] Healthcare & Texas Uninsured Rate - The potential for "draconian healthcare cuts" is a key point of contention in negotiations [6] - Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the US, and further healthcare cuts could exacerbate the situation, potentially leading to rural hospital closures [7] - Affordable Care Act premiums in Texas could increase by over 20% without intervention [7] Immigration & Border Security - Communities in South Texas are experiencing heightened fear and concern, impacting small businesses and causing anxiety among students [11][12] - There's a call for comprehensive immigration reform that balances border security with humanitarian values [13] - Concerns are raised about the actions of ICE officers and the potential for due process violations, with messaging during ICE recruitment in Texas being described as akin to sending officers to war in their own communities [14][15][16][17] Foreign Policy & APAC Influence - The candidate states he was not supported by APAC in his last Senate race and will not be supported by them in this one either [20] - Voters are concerned about foreign policy, particularly the situation in Gaza [21] - The candidate supports a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine as the only sustainable path to lasting peace [22]