DALLAS -- Senator Ted Cruz debated his last Democratic challenger six years ago inside an auditorium at Southern Methodist University in one of several debates between him and Beto O'Rourke.
Tuesday night, it's a one-time-only debate with 2024 challenger Colin Allred and once again in Dallas.
"Most debates, especially at the senate level, don't move the needle much at all," said Rice University political science professor Mark Jones.
Jones said he doesn't expect many surprises.
But the debate could be a chance for Allred given his ongoing underdog status.
"And for Colin Allred to have any hope of victory, he needs to shake things up," said Jones. "One of the best last times for him to shake things up is with tonight's debate."
According to a new UH Hobby School of Public Affairs poll, Cruz leads Allred by four percentage points, 50% to 46%.
It's a lead that's grown since the institution's last poll.
Meanwhile, 96% of Cruz and Allred voters said they were certain about their vote choice.
Jones told us that appealing to those few still undecided or swayable voters is the key.
"But, at most, we're talking about one in ten voters who are not locked into their senate decision," said Jones.
Both candidates hit the road across the state again first thing Wednesday and will potentially capitalize on their performance during this debate.