Five Years Since One of America’s Darkest DaysI took off my jacket, rolled up my sleeves, and got ready to take on whatever came through that door.
It’s January 6, 2026. Five years ago today, our nation faced one of its darkest days. A violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, and we came closer to losing our democracy than many people realize. You probably remember where you were when it happened. I know I’ll never forget. That morning started like any other. I went to work – on the floor of the House of Representatives — to do my job for the people of North Texas. At the time, I represented Texas’ 32nd District. But that day, none of us were Democrats or Republicans. We were Americans under attack. For weeks, the tension had been building. Donald Trump refused to accept the results of the 2020 election, spreading lie after lie that it had been stolen. What was supposed to be a routine certification of the vote — the peaceful transfer of power that defines any democracy — suddenly felt uncertain. When the pounding started on the doors, when we heard glass shattering and people yelling, it became clear how far those lies had gone. The Capitol had been breached. We were on lockdown. In moments like that, training kicks in. As a former NFL linebacker, people looked to me to protect them. And in that room — members of Congress, staff, journalists — politics didn’t matter. We were just people trying to survive, and praying we’d make it home to our families. I texted my wife, Aly, who was seven months pregnant with our second son, “Whatever happens, I love you.” Then I took off my jacket, rolled up my sleeves, and got ready to take on whatever came through that door. Thankfully, it never came to that. But that day was a wake-up call for all of us – a reminder of how fragile our democracy is and how it only works if we continue to fight for it. Five years later, that fight is far from over. Unfortunately, the threat to our democracy is just as real today as it was then. Right-wing extremists are still spreading bogus claims of election fraud, gerrymandering electoral maps to hold on to power, and making it harder for people to vote. And it’ll only get worse if we let Donald Trump and the GOP gain an even greater hold over Washington in this year’s elections. We’ve seen what a year of what unchecked MAGA extremists can do to our government – an economy that’s gotten worse for working families, health care ripped away from millions of people, and alarming personal attacks against anyone who dares to criticize the administration. This November, it’s time for some Texas-style accountability. That’s why I’m running to represent Texas’ newly drawn 33rd District — to fight for the community that raised me and to help Democrats take back the House majority. Texans, and all Americans, deserve better – but it’s on all of us to stand up for the future of our country at this critical moment. Our democracy only works if we keep showing up to protect it. I’m grateful to have you with me in that fight. With gratitude, Colin Paid for by Allred for Texas
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Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Five Years Since One of America’s Darkest Days
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