By David Wilfong, NDG Contributing Writer
The race to replace Mike Rawlings, who will be stepping down as mayor, was already becoming a crowded field. This week, the race got even hotter, with longtime Texas State Representative Eric Johnson announcing he was entering the race as well.
Johnson, who has served in the Texas House of Representatives since 2010, said having represented one of the most diverse districts in the state makes him a prime candidate for the mayor’s position on a council that has seen its share of challenges recently.
“It’s time to move beyond the old divisions at City Hall and work together toward real solutions. If we do, Dallas will be a city of strong, safe neighborhoods where families thrive and where every child has the opportunities to succeed that I enjoyed growing up in this incredible city,” Johnson said.
There is one current Councilmember in the running as well. Scott Griggs, who represents District 1 in Oak Cliff, is extremely popular among his constituents and is terming out on the council. Griggs has also raised the ire of a few business and government interests in Dallas, as he has developed somewhat of a reputation as a rabid watchdog. It’s a reputation he has not shied away from, promising to “ruthlessly pursue transparency” on the council.
Albert Black, former chairman of the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) and Dallas Regional Chamber, was the first to announce and has already garnered more than $277,000 in contributions for the race.
“From Dallas’ most prominent leaders to everyday folks who gave us five bucks complimented with their hopes and dreams for a better Dallas, we’re showing that everyone can invest in a brighter future for all our families,” Black said.
Mike Ablon, a real estate developer, is looking for ethics reform at city hall as well. However, as a developer, Ablon has a perspective on the city at street level. He is looking for improvements to infrastructure such as streets and emergency services.
“We can only do this if we come together as a city and do what’s right for the future success of every part of Dallas, starting with improving basic city and education services that make a positive and lasting difference in our everyday lives,” Ablon said.
Dallas Independent School District Trustee Miguel Solis has also thrown his hat into the ring, shifting from the educational side of the community to focus on the administration of city government.
“As a former Dallas public school teacher, school board member, and nonprofit leader, I’ve heard from hundreds of people across our city who believe the old ways of doing things just won’t work anymore,” Solis noted in announcing his candidacy. “Like me, they’re proud of the progress being made in Dallas but recognize the many challenges still left to overcome. They want to create paths to prosperity and equity for everyone – but they’re waiting for new leaders and ideas that will bring hope and change.”
There is also a former Presidential candidate in the running for Dallas Mayor. Alyson Kennedy ran in the 2016 election for the Socialist Workers Party (SWP). The term “Socialist” has lost some of the stigma it held only a few years ago, but Kennedy has run for office with the SWP in elections dating back to 1977.
“The capitalist owners, Democratic and Republican politicians who run the government in their interests, could care less about young people who can’t afford to get a house or apartment of their own, get married and start a family,” Kennedy said. “The Socialist Workers Party calls for a massive government-financed jobs program at union scale wages to rebuild crumbling infrastructure and provide affordable housing for all.”
Lynn McBee is the CEO of The Bridge, which serves Dallas’ homeless population, as well as the Young Women’s Preparatory Network; and she serves as an officer on the Dallas County Community College District Foundation. She has received numerous awards for community leadership and believes this experience can translate into success for the City of Dallas.
“As a CEO of an education organization, and with more than 25 years as a servant leader in Dallas, I’ve gained the perspective and experience to forge the coalitions and partnerships we need to solve our city’s greatest challenges,” McBee says.
Regina Montoya, a former Clinton administration aide and Harvard Law graduate, also comes to the table with a wealth of community and business service, ranging from the Mayor’s Task Force on Poverty, to the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for DFW Airport.
“We need greater collaboration and coordination between city government, civic groups, nonprofits and businesses to ensure better progress,” Montoya said. “I’ve spent my life in Dallas working across all these areas. I know good work is happening – but it’s a matter of bringing it all together.”
Jason Villalba is a former Republican Texas State Representative and a businessman in Dallas. He touts his record in Austin, including digging up $5 billion when the state’s education was at financial risk, as proof he can “get things done” as the leader of the city.
“Like you, I am a proud Texan and proud of the community we have here in Dallas,” Villalba said. “We are a city of vitality, growth, optimism, and development. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be better. We have the highest percentage of uninsured and undereducated children. There are senior citizens who are leaving their homes because property taxes that are so high. We must do more for all who call this city home.”
Oak Cliff resident Miguel Patino has also filed paperwork to run for the mayor’s seat, however as of press time online information on his campaign is minimal.
The crowded field has already led one candidate, former city attorney Larry Casto, to suspend his campaign. Casto has thrown his support behind Ablon. With so many candidates, and so many issues at stake, the road to the head of the horseshoe is bound to be a tough one.
