The highly anticipated showdown between incumbent U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. Rep. Colin Allred is officially in the books.

The two sparred fiercely over hot-button issues like immigration and abortion, with each aiming to secure an edge in the race for Texas. This debate, aptly named "The Texas Debate," may be the only one we’ll see between these candidates.

The El Paso Times contacted both campaigns for comments on the debate, but neither responded.

But who came out on top? Let’s dive into what people on X are saying.

Recap of debate: Ted Cruz vs Colin Allred take stage for first US Senate debate

Texas Democratic Party: Allred won this debate

The Texas Democratic Party issued the following statement on Tuesday's debate for U.S. Senate:

“Tonight, Texans saw a clear contrast between Congressman Colin Allred, who is ready to be a Senator for all 30 million Texans, and Ted Cruz, who repeatedly showed he only cares about himself," Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said Tuesday night.

“Ted Cruz has been in Washington forever with nothing to show for it, except his abortion ban and infamous trip to Cancún. Congressman Allred will restore reproductive freedom for Texas women, secure the border, and bring Texans together around our shared values. Congressman Allred won this debate and proved to Texans he is the right person to serve us in the Senate.”

Who is Colin Allred?

Allred’s showdown with Cruz is hardly his first experience taking on a stronger political opponent.

In 2018, Allred defeated 11-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Dallas, to earn his current spot in the U.S. House of Representatives.

He is now in his third term in the House.

What NFL team did Colin Allred play for?

Allred accepted a scholarship to play football for Baylor University, where he was an All-Big 12 honorable mention.

That led to his signing by the Tennessee Titans in 2006. He made his regular-season debut with the team in 2007. Between 2007 and 2010, he played 32 games and recorded 46 tackles.

Allred left the NFL in 2011 and enrolled in law school, earning his Juris Doctor degree from UC Berkeley School of Law in 2014.

Watch Cruz vs Allred debate

Watch the complete debate between Cruz and Allred below.

El Paso Times reporter Adam Powell contributed to this report.

(This story was updated to add new information.)