Colin Allred grew up in a single-parent household. He watched his mother struggle to make ends meet. So he knew he had to be at his best if they were to see brighter days. Well, job done! Colin is now the Democratic representative for the 32nd Congressional District in Dallas, Texas and has announced his 2024 run for the United States Senate. But who are Colin’s parents? Let’s get to know them below.
Who are Colin Allred’s parents?
Colin Allred doesn’t like to talk about his parents; especially his father. However, he has revealed that he owes much to his mother, Judith Allred, who raised him on her own!
One reason this congressman set his sights on the stars was to give his mother the life she never had. And for this, Colin has worked hard since he was a child.
Born and raised in North Dallas, Colin was class president at Hillcrest High School and earned a full football scholarship to Baylor University. He earned a BA in History in 2005 and planned to attend law school. However, he was drafted by the NFL and played as a linebacker for the next five seasons before a career-ending injury.
So he went back to school to pursue a law degree at the University of California, Berkeley, and earned his Juris Doctor in 2014. He then began his political career by working in the Office of General Counsel for the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Obama Administration. He also became a Civil Rights attorney for the law firm Perkins Coie as a voting rights litigator and counsel to political candidates and advocacy organizations.
Wanting to do more, Colin then returned to his hometown of Dallas and challenged longtime Republican Congressman Pete Sessions for his seat. In 2018, he ultimately defeated Pete and became the US Representative for the 32nd Congressional District.
So as a Representative, Colin dedicated his life to helping North Texas families have the same opportunities he had to realize his dreams. His top priorities in Congress were working to reduce health care costs, protect Medicare and Social Security, and create an economy that works for everyone.
Now, just to be clear, he has announced his run for the United States Senate in 2024.
Meet Judith Allred, Colin Allred’s Mother
Judith Allred is Colin Allred’s mother. She was born in October 1946 and spent most of her life as a teacher in Dallas public schools. In fact, she taught children for 27 years — either in school or as a private tutor.
“My mom worked very hard. We went to the Homework Hotline in the evenings. She tutored kids to earn extra money. But I felt like it was never enough to make ends meet,” Colin recalls.
It’s no surprise that the congressman often praises her. “To my mom, my aunt, and all the mothers, caregivers, and loved ones who make a difference in the world: Happy #MothersDay,” he posted on IG on Mother’s Day 2023.
Additionally, Colin acknowledged that his mother’s job was difficult and he is grateful to her for never giving up. “My mom was a public school teacher so I know how important teachers are to this community. We need to invest in them, which is why I secured federal funding for @dallascollegetx to help train the next generation of educators,” he wrote.
In addition to being a teacher, Judith is a fighter and a survivor. She was diagnosed with breast cancer — which she beat! This is also why Colin prioritizes bipartisan legislation to increase access to cancer diagnostic testing.
Ethnically, Judith is English. She was born to Opie D. Gabriel “Gabe” Allred and Wilda Gertrude “Gertie” Roberts.
What do we know about Colin Allred’s father?
Colin Allred never knew his father. So he knows the hardships of growing up without one. But Colin doesn’t resent his father. Instead, he thanks him for the lessons he learned and the promise he made to himself that when he became a father, he would be there for his children.
The congressman is a loving husband and father of two young sons. He is also proud to be the first member of Congress to receive paid parental leave and is a passionate advocate for paid family leave for all Americans.
Another reason Colin doesn’t hold grudges against his father is because he had YMCA counselors, teachers, and coaches who cared about him growing up. “I have met many dedicated fathers and father figures in my time working for North Texas. Today, I wish all the fathers and father figures in Texas District 32 a happy Father’s Day. We are grateful for your support and appreciate your contributions to our community,” he wrote on Father’s Day 2020.
In addition to mentors from the YMCA, Colin received important support from his aunt and uncle.
Interesting Facts: Although we do not know Colin’s father’s name, we do know that he was African American.
Related FAQs
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How long have Colin Allred’s parents been together?
It’s unclear how long Colin’s parents were together. But we do know that they split up sometime before or in the early 80s.
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How many children do Colin Allred’s parents have?
Colin is his parents’ only son.
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Where are Colin Allred’s parents from?
Colin’s mother, Judith, lives in Dallas, TX. But his father’s whereabouts are unknown.