Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, top left, takes notes as Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks during a U.S. Senate debate on Oct. 15 in Dallas.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks to reporters about President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race July 22 at the headquarters of the Harris County Republican Party in Houston. Cruz also spoke about Colin Allred; a Democratic candidate who is running against Cruz for his senate seat.

Colin Allred speaks to supporters during a campaign event at White Oak Music Hall on July 28.

U.S. Rep Colin Allred, D-Dallas, listens to oil workers and METRO union members about energy and workforce issues at IBEW Union Hall in August in Houston. Allred is challenging incumbent Senator Ted Cruz for his position in the U.S. Senate.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks to supporters during a campaign rally at Outpost 36 BBQ on Oct. 5, in Keller.

The U.S. Senate race between Ted Cruz and Colin Allred is reassuringly old-fashioned, with two professional politicians arguing contrasting policies to win over moderate voters.

Another old-fashioned idea that I hope to see regain prominence in U.S. elections is the importance of character, a person’s moral and ethical qualities.

After decades of lies and triangulations, and cynical campaigns that stoke anger and division, polls show voters want a better class of candidate. We can take a cue from a new report published in the MIT Sloan Management Review that argues character beats competence when building a healthy culture.

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