Dallas will likely have the same mayor after Saturday’s election, but the city council will likely include some new faces.
Two incumbents are not seeking re-election, and all but one other member is being contested.
And in other parts of the city, incumbents face multiple challengers.
Issues for candidates running for office and voters on Saturday include public safety, economic development and government transparency.
“It’s often said in city hall that there’s no way Republicans or Democrats can fill the void,” said Cal Jilson, a professor of political science at Southern Methodist University. .”
two open seats
District 10 Councilor Adam McGough and District 3 Councilor Casey Thomas are not seeking re-election due to term limits. Both seats are highly contested, with four He or Her five candidates running, respectively.
Among the candidates vying for a vacancy in District 3 are former city council members, retired educators, former first responders, and nonprofit representatives.
District 3 comprises most of south Dallas. Racial equality is a big issue. Thomas has been a strong supporter of the city’s equity initiative, which was launched late last year.
Five candidates are seeking to replace Thomas.
- Zarin Gracey is a former District 3 zoning commissioner who focuses on budgeting, economic development and community engagement, according to his campaign website. Thomas has expressed his support for Gracie.
- John Sims is another challenger representing District 3. He is a former Dallas Community Emergency Response Team member and first responder for the Cockrell Hill Fire Department. His Campaign On his site, he lists infrastructure and homelessness as some of his campaign priorities.
- Joe Taib, a retired school teacher, campaigned to represent District 3 in 2015 and 2021. He has served on many city boards and committees and has lived in south Dallas for 31 years.
- According to the campaign website, August Doyle has marketed the campaign on three pillars.
- Denise Benavides is a nonprofit leader from Los Angeles, California. She settled in Grande Prairie in 2011. On her campaign website, she says she was invited to become a member of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce in 2013. of her core priorities.
McGough is also nearing the end of his final term at Horseshoe. His four candidates who want to represent District 10 include a “conservative businessman,” a media publisher, a financial analyst, and his leader of the Lake Highland community.
they are:
- Cyrano Valdeo is campaigning for the second time on behalf of District 10. Valdeo says his site Dallas Pulse is the publisher of his news online.
- According to Chris Carter’s campaign site, he’s a “hard-working conservative with real results for Dallas.” Carter has the support of the Dallas County Republican Party and has focused his campaign on strengthening law enforcement and “removing awakened diversity equality and inclusion programs that advance a divisive political agenda.” I was.
- Brian Hasenbauer, who has lived in Lake Highland for 17 years, comes from a background as a financial analyst and McGough-appointed city commissioner. On his campaign website, Public Safety and Police Accountability mentions tax cuts and government transparency as part of his campaign priorities.
- Kathy Stewart oversaw the Lake Highland Public Improvement District, according to her campaign site. She hopes her leadership experience will motivate Dallas voters to choose her to represent the 10th District. Like other candidates, she has listed public safety, financial stability, and green space as top priorities for her campaign.
Candidate for re-election
District 12 Council member Cara Mendelsohn is running as a true independent. But the remaining 11 incumbents are trying to stay on the council.
In District 7, City Councilman Adam Bazaldua faces three other candidates.
In recent months, Mr. Bazardua has been vocal about a series of bills passing state legislatures that would formally change the way local governments operate. Along with his criticism of the bill, his campaign has focused on his track record on the city council and his more progressive tendencies regarding the horseshoe.
Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn King Arnold, District 2 Councilor Jessie Moreno, and District 9 Councilor Paula Blackmon are all facing one other challenger in their respective districts.
District 11 Council member Janie Schultz is facing off against Candace Evans, a real estate journalist and publisher of the website Candy’s Dirt. Evans previously ran for the 2021 General Election against Schultz.
The list of candidates running for office also includes Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. Local media reports that Johnson is the first incumbent mayor since his 1967 run “out of the ballot.” But that’s not all. The mayor’s name may be the only thing printed on Dallas voters’ ballots, but technically he’s not running alone.
Voters choose between the current mayor and one candidate to write. City of Dallas Commissioner Villiela Johnson said write-in candidates must be eligible voters and submit forms to the county. was.
“That means he can offer the most positive view of his first term as mayor. Opponents who question its achievements or point out what it didn’t do.” will not be challenged,” Gilson said.
Election Day is May 6, and polling places are open from 7am to 7pm.
Any tips? Email Nathan Collins at ncollins@kera.org. You can follow Nathan on Twitter @nathannotforyou.
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