Bloomberg Talks: Former Congressman Colin Allred Talks No Kings, Government Shutdown

Date: October 20, 2025
Guest: Colin Allred, former Democratic Congressman (TX) and U.S. Senate candidate

Episode Overview

This episode features a timely conversation with Colin Allred on the 20th day of the U.S. government shutdown—the third longest in history. The discussion centers around the recent “No Kings” protest movement across America, public sentiment, political gridlock, and Allred’s ongoing Senate campaign in Texas. The episode explores the interplay between grassroots activism and electoral politics, the impact of the shutdown on healthcare, and Allred’s strategy for winning in a historically red state.

Main Themes & Discussion Points

1. "No Kings" Protests and Their Impact

[01:19 - 03:54]

• Allred attended a major Houston protest, praising the turnout and diverse participation:

  “The protest that I was at in Houston had a lot of families there... I thought it was about as American as apple pie...” (Colin Allred, [01:34])

• Emphasizes the American tradition of protest and drawing parallels to civil rights history.
• Suggests the real measure of success is whether protesters “turn that into votes”:

  "...we have to take that not just in terms of protest, but then make it into action in terms of voting and then try and get policy..." (Colin Allred, [01:51])

• Comments on the organic, grassroots nature of the events, rebuffing suggestions of them being Astroturf (artificially manufactured):

  "And folks I think came and they were thanking me for coming, quite honestly, because they were just looking to have some way to express themselves outside of just... doom scrolling on their phones." (Colin Allred, [02:56])

2. Political Reactions & Public Perception

[02:25 - 03:54]

• Discussion of contrasting reactions:
  • President Trump’s dismissal of protesters as unrepresentative and “whacked out.”
  • Senator Ted Cruz calling the protests “Astroturf.”
• Allred rejects the depiction, highlighting the earnestness and diverse makeup of the crowds—families, ordinary people, not just activists or outliers.
• Notable Moment:

  "There are some things that you don’t plan for and that are much more organic. It can just happen… when folks are fed up, then they show up with... their feet." (Colin Allred, [03:28])

3. Government Shutdown & Healthcare Consequences

[03:54 - 05:34]

• Allred’s stance on government shutdowns—strongly against them, noting personal experience:

  “When I was in Congress, I was sworn in during a shutdown. We introduced a bill pretty quickly thereafter called the SEIZE Act... Shutdown to End All Shutdowns Act.” (Colin Allred, [04:13])

• Advocates for lawmakers feeling the same economic pain as furloughed workers if shutdowns occur.
• Criticizes the current Republican leadership for failure to negotiate and end the shutdown:

  “Republicans have the power and the speaker of the House has spent a month not calling the House back into session… I’m sorry they have not used the power that they have to try and protect folks health care...” ([04:37])

• Warns of tangible impacts for Texans—4 million enrolled in Affordable Care Act exchanges may face “dramatic increases” in costs and premiums if the shutdown continues.

  "If you see costs go up that much for your premium, that's basically the same thing as not having health care at all." (Colin Allred, [05:10])

• Calls for bipartisan negotiation to resolve the stalemate.

4. Senate Campaign Strategy in Texas

[05:34 - 06:30]

• Responds to Texas’ long pattern of Republican victories; the last Democrat won a statewide race in the early 1990s.
• Allred’s approach centers on refocusing on “what working folks are going through,” not just partisan talking points.

  "What I’ve been trying to do is make sure that we reorient ourselves around what I think working folks are going through." (Colin Allred, [05:52])

• Notes that earlier promises to lower costs and contain inflation have not materialized.
• Outlines grassroots campaigning: meeting working people where they are, such as at jobsites and grocery stores, rather than traditional political events.
• Personalizes with his experience growing up with a working mother:

  "I'm constantly thinking about my mom who was working two jobs... she couldn't come to one of our town halls... But if I go to them on the job, then we can have those conversations." ([06:08])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On American protest culture:

  "I thought it was about as American as apple pie, to be honest with you." – Colin Allred ([01:37])

• On the need for action beyond protest:

  "...make it into action in terms of voting and then try and get policy to try and respond to what I think folks are going through and what they're worried about." – Colin Allred ([01:51])

• On political authenticity:

  "There are some things that you don’t plan for and that are much more organic... when folks are fed up, then they show up with... their feet." – Colin Allred ([03:28])

• On government shutdowns:

  “I hate shutdowns as a rule… if this did ever happen again the members of Congress and Senators would feel the same pain as working people out there who are not getting paid.” – Colin Allred ([04:14])

• On inflation and campaign focus:

  "I think there were a lot of promises made to working people in the last election about their costs were going to go down and inflation was going to go away on day one. And we've seen the opposite." – Colin Allred ([05:55])

• On relatable politics:

  "I'm constantly thinking about my mom who was working two jobs... she couldn't come to one of our town halls... if I go to them on the job, then we can have those conversations." – Colin Allred ([06:11])

Important Segment Timestamps

• Introduction to Episode & Guest: [00:18–01:19]
• Allred on the No Kings Protests: [01:19–03:54]
• Political Reactions to Protests: [02:25–03:54]
• Shutdown Discussion & Healthcare Impacts: [03:54–05:34]
• Senate Race & Texas Political Dynamics: [05:34–06:30]

Tone & Atmosphere

The conversation is earnest, direct, and driven by Allred’s personal experiences and commitment to relating complex politics to everyday life. The interview maintains a pragmatic yet hopeful outlook, emphasizing grassroots power and incrementalism in pushing for meaningful change.

Summary Takeaway

Former Congressman Colin Allred uses this moment—not just to critique political dysfunction—but to push for civic action, voter engagement, and a renewed focus on practical solutions for working families. Whether discussing protests or policymaking, his approach is rooted in lived experience, community, and a call for direct participation—both at the ballot box and in daily life.