Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson Announces Switch to Republican Party, Citing Concerns Over Crime and Homelessness
Washington, CNN — Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson made headlines on Friday as he announced his decision to switch parties and become a Republican-affiliated mayor of the traditionally blue-leaning city. Although the Dallas mayoral office is nonpartisan, Johnson previously served as a Democrat in the Texas legislature. However, in an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, Johnson criticized Democratic policies for their alleged role in exacerbating crime and homelessness.
In his op-ed, Johnson wrote, “The future of America’s great urban centers depends on the willingness of the nation’s mayors to champion law and order and practice fiscal conservatism. Our cities desperately need the genuine commitment to these principles (as opposed to the inconsistent, poll-driven commitment of many Democrats) that has long been a defining characteristic of the GOP.” He added, “In other words, American cities need Republicans—and Republicans need American cities.”
Johnson’s announcement marks him as the only Republican among the mayors of the top 10 most populous cities in the United States. He was reelected for a four-year term in May with an overwhelming 93% of the vote, after first being elected in 2019. It is worth noting that President Joe Biden won Dallas County by over 30 points in the 2020 election.
The Texas Democratic Party responded to Johnson’s announcement with a scathing statement, accusing him of being dishonest with Dallas voters. They claimed that Johnson should have made his party switch before running for reelection as mayor, as they believe he knew he would lose to a Democrat. “[T]he voters of Dallas deserved to know where he stood before he ran for reelection as Mayor,” said the chair and vice-chair of the party. “He wasn’t honest with his constituents, and knew he would lose to a Democrat if he flipped before the election.” They further expressed their relief that Johnson can no longer tarnish the brand and values of the Texas Democratic Party.
In contrast, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott welcomed Johnson’s decision to join the Republican Party. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Abbott expressed his support, saying, “Texas is getting more Red every day. He’s pro law enforcement & won’t tolerate leftist agendas.”
Johnson’s party switch has sparked much debate and attention, highlighting the political divisions within the nation’s cities. As the only Republican mayor among the country’s largest cities, Johnson’s decision may have implications for future elections and the broader discourse on urban governance.