Tuesday night’s debate between Democrat Colin Allred and Republican Ted Cruz did more than capture politically minded viewers interested in the Texas race for U.S. Senate. It also opened wallets. Allred raised more than $1 million in the 18 hours after the debate’s 7 p.

On a sunny October afternoon, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz posed for photos with supporters next to his campaign bus in downtown Waxahachie – a historic square complete with quaint shops and a storied, almost mythical-looking courthouse.

The debate proved combative from start to finish, with Cruz and Allred trading barbs on nearly every issue that came up.