Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, a former Democrat, has announced that he is switching parties and becoming a Republican.
Johnson made the announcement in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal where he blasted the failed policies in Democrat-run cities across the country.
“I have been mayor of Dallas for more than four years. During that time, my priority has been to make the city safer, stronger and more vibrant. That meant saying no to those who wanted to defund the police. It meant fighting for lower taxes and a friendlier business climate. And it meant investing in family friendly infrastructure such as better parks and trails,” wrote Johnson.
“After these wins for the people of Dallas—and after securing 98.7% of the vote in my re-election campaign this year—I have no intention of changing my approach to my job. But today I am changing my party affiliation. Next spring, I will be voting in the Republican primary. When my career in elected office ends in 2027 on the inauguration of my successor as mayor, I will leave office as a Republican,” he added.
Before being elected as mayor in 2019, Johnson previously served a decade in the Texas House of Representatives as a Democrat. Johnson acknowledged the switch may come as a surprise to some.
“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,” Johnson continued. “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.”
Even before his party switch, Johnson has bucked Democrats on the Dallas city council, as he has opposed efforts to defund law enforcement and drastically increase the city budget.
Texas GOP Chairman Matt Rinaldi welcomed Johnson to the party.
“I served with Eric in the Texas House and found him to be an intelligent and pragmatic Democrat who would be more at home among Republicans,” Rinaldi told Texas Scorecard. “I’m glad he came to that same conclusion and welcome him to our party.”
Johnson was re-elected to a second term earlier this year and is unable to run again due to term limits.
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