Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson has come under fire from Texas Democrats following his announcement on Friday that he will be departing the Democratic Party to join the Republican Party.
Kardal Coleman, the chair of the Dallas County Democratic Party, expressed his disappointment in an interview with Fox News Digital. "Today's announcement is nothing short of an insult to the electorate, specifically here in Dallas County and the city of Dallas," Coleman stated. He further accused Johnson of failing to uphold the values he promised to the voters who elected him. "This is not just strictly about partisanship. I think this is a self-centered agenda on his behalf, and he's choosing politics over people," Coleman added.
According to Coleman, Johnson has had no relationship with the Democratic Party in Dallas since he assumed office. He described Johnson's Republican status as the "worst kept secret" in the city. "He just bailed on the voters who he promised that he would uphold their democratic values," Coleman lamented. He also suggested that Johnson had been enticed by the Republican National Committee's efforts to court black men.
In an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal titled "Americas Cities Need Republicans, and Im Becoming One," Johnson explained his decision to leave the Democratic Party. He argued that "the future of Americas great urban centers depends on the willingness of the nations mayors to champion law and order and practice fiscal conservatism."
Gilberto Hinojosa and Shay Wyrick Cathey, the chair and vice-chair of the Texas Democratic Party respectively, issued a joint statement on Friday condemning Johnson for his perceived dishonesty with voters. "Given his long-standing affinity with Republican leaders and ideology like when he cozied up with longtime podcast host Ted Cruz at his inauguration this year this announcement is neither surprising nor unwelcome," the statement read.
The statement also criticized Johnson for not being transparent with his constituents before his reelection as Mayor. "He wasnt honest with his constituents, and knew he would lose to a Democrat if he flipped before the election. In a city that deserves dedicated leadership, Mayor Johnson has been an ineffective and truant mayor, not only disconnected from Democratic values, but unable to even be an effective messenger for conservative local policy. This feeble excuse for democratic representation will fit right in with Republicans and we are grateful that he can no longer tarnish the brand and values of the Texas Democratic Party," the statement concluded.
Johnson, who was elected mayor in 2019 and re-elected in 2023 with 93% of the vote in a virtually uncontested race, will serve his current term until 2027. Johnsons office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
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