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Dallas News

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Next Dallas mayoral election is scheduled for May 2027.

Eric Johnson is the current mayor of Dallas, having been re-elected in May 2023 with 98.7% of the vote. However, he is ineligible to run for re-election in 2027 due to term limits, as he will have served the maximum two four-year terms allowed.

As of right now, there are no specific announced candidates for the Dallas mayoral election in 2027. However, the Dallas City Council election in May 2025 saw several new members elected, including Laura Ann Cadena and Maxie Johnson, who could potentially consider future mayoral runs.

Dallas City Council Runoffs Set for June 7

Dallas held its general municipal election on May 3, 2025, for all 14 City Council seats, with several races heading into runoffs on June 7. Notable contests include District 8 (Lorie Blair vs. Erik Wilson) and District 11 (Jeff Kitner vs. Bill Roth) . Early voting in these runoffs follows the vote-by-mail cutoff of May 8. Major issues defining the runoffs include growth management, public safety, and transportation improvements.

Incumbents in districts 9 (Paula Blackmon), 10 (Kathy Stewart), 12 (Cara Mendelsohn), 13 (Gay Donnell Willis), and 14 (Paul Ridley) secured decisive wins in the general round fox4news.com. Final results will be certified later this month.

Paula Blackmon, District 9 Incumbent Cruises to Victory

In Dallas District 9, Paula Blackmon captured ~78% of the vote on May 3, securing reelection to the City Council fox4news.com. Blackmon, former staffer to Mayor Leppert and Rawlings, campaigned on infrastructure, public safety, and district revitalization. While enjoying broad support across diverse neighborhoods, she still plans town halls in Alliance and Richland to maintain close constituent engagement. Her solid win underscores stable incumbency in southwestern Dallas ahead of tougher runoff contests elsewhere.

Kathy Stewart Re-Elected Without a Runoff in District 10
Kathy Stewart easily clinched reelection in District 10, winning over 93% of the vote on May 3 . Representing Lake Highlands and Hamilton Park, Stewart’s first term focused on school–park coordination and local traffic safety. Victory in the general round spares her from the June 7 runoff. She will now focus on implementing district infrastructure funding and neighborhood-led public safety initiatives.

Councilmember Cara Mendelsohn Retains Far North Seat
Cara Mendelsohn secured reelection for District 12, garnering ~64% of the vote in the May 3 general election fox4news.com. As a nonprofit leader, she emphasized community-based solutions to development and crime. Mendelsohn plans advisory boards on small business support and park equity. Like her colleagues Blackmon and Stewart, her win highlights incumbency advantages ahead of key runoff battles in other districts.

Gay Donnell W. Takes District 13 with Over 65% Support

District 13’s race ended decisively as Gay Donnell Willis was reelected with ~65% of ballots on May 3 . As a fifth-generation Texan, her platform included community outreach, child care expansion, and small business grants. Willis aims to host a series of constituent listening sessions this summer before the runoff results finalize later this month.

Paul Ridley Wins District 14 in Strong Mandate

Incumbent Paul Ridley collected a second term on the Dallas City Council after winning District 14 in the general election . First elected in 2021, Ridley has championed public safety, neighborhood revitalization, and transportation. Cheerful turnout at early vote centers supported his campaign, which emphasized expanded constituent services and park-renewal programs.

Richardson Elects Amir Omar as First Muslim Mayor

On May 3, Richardson voters elected Amir Omar as mayor, defeating incumbent Bob Dubey (~55% to 41%), making Omar the city’s first Muslim and Iranian-American mayor . Formerly a council member since 2009, Omar campaigned on a unity platform prioritizing inclusive growth, public safety, and small business support. He begins his term May 13. Supporters highlight his collaborative leadership style, community ties, and emphasis on diversity as critical to his breakthrough victory.

Dallas County Runoff Election Set June 7

Dallas County held municipal joint elections on May 3, with several cities—including Garland and Irving—also hosting runoffs on June 7 . The county’s Elections Department prepared central-count plans and provisional-voter guidance through June 13. Blanket runoffs may include district council contests, mayoral races, and school board seats. Election departments are urging turnout, especially in contested races for mayor, city council, and education boards.

9. Dallas County Board Advances Early Voting Outreach
Ahead of the June 7 runoff, Dallas County Democrats launched outreach efforts—sample ballots, volunteer trainings, centralized voter resources, and multilingual guides Coordinated efforts across precincts aim to mobilize first-time and historically low-turnout voters. The initiative reflects a push to ensure broader participation in judiciary and local races, emphasizing civic engagement and informed voting.

Texas Legislature Adjourns

The 140-day 89th Texas Legislative session—running Jan 14 to June 2—wrapped with Republicans delivering key agenda items: private school vouchers, bail reform, property tax reductions, and new policies on teacher pay and campus protests . Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick described the session as historic. As Governor Abbott considers a special session on redistricting and lobbyist bans, the legislative outcomes will reshape local funding and election frameworks across Dallas, impacting upcoming election cycles.

Lorie Blair Wins District 8 Seat in Dallas City Council Runoff

Lorie Blair secured victory in the June 7 runoff for Dallas City Council District 8, defeating former councilmember Erik Wilson with 56% of the vote. Blair, a longtime AT&T employee and community journalist, succeeds Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins, who was term-limited. Her campaign focused on reducing crime, lowering property taxes, and expanding affordable housing. Blair’s win marks a generational shift in District 8 leadership and was bolstered by endorsements from Atkins and several neighborhood associations.

Bill Roth Clinches District 11 Council Seat in Tight Runoff

Commercial real estate attorney Bill Roth won the District 11 runoff with 54% of the vote, defeating Jeff Kitner. Roth emphasized public safety, city services, and preserving single-family neighborhoods. He succeeds Councilmember Jaynie Schultz, who did not seek re-election. Roth’s campaign drew support from homeowners’ groups and business leaders. His victory reflects a moderate shift in North Dallas politics and positions him as a key voice on zoning and infrastructure issues.

Low Turnout Marks Dallas City Council Runoff Elections

Fewer than 10,000 voters participated in Dallas’ June 7 runoff elections for Districts 8 and 11, continuing a trend of low municipal turnout. Despite the stakes—two open council seats—voter engagement remained sluggish. Election officials cited voter fatigue and limited media coverage. Advocates are calling for expanded early voting and civic education to boost participation. The new councilmembers will be sworn in June 16, joining a body tasked with shaping the city’s 2025–26 budget.

Soros-Backed PAC Launches “Blue Texas”

in Dallas The Texas Majority PAC, backed by billionaire George Soros, launched its “Blue Texas” campaign in Dallas this month. The initiative aims to flip state legislative seats and boost Democratic turnout ahead of the 2026 midterms. The campaign will host rallies in 12 counties, including Dallas, and deploy thousands of volunteers. Organizers say the effort is focused on voter registration, local engagement, and countering Republican dominance in state politics.

Dallas Councilmember Chad West Wins Fourth Term in District 1

C. West was re-elected to represent District 1 with 59% of the vote. A North Oak Cliff resident, West has served since 2019 and is known for his work on housing and transportation. His re-election ensures continuity in one of Dallas’ fastest-growing districts. West’s priorities include expanding bike lanes, improving code enforcement, and supporting small businesses. He will play a key role in shaping the city’s development policies.

Laura Cadena Wins District 6 Seat in Narrow Victory Laura Cadena won the District 6 council seat with just over 50% of the vote. A lifelong resident of the district, Cadena emphasized neighborhood revitalization and public safety. Her campaign focused on improving basic services and increasing transparency. Cadena’s win adds a new voice to the council from West Dallas and signals growing political engagement in historically underserved communities.

Maxie Johnson Elected to Represent District 4 Former Dallas ISD trustee Maxie Johnson won the District 4 council seat with 75% of the vote. Johnson campaigned on education equity, infrastructure investment, and community policing. His election brings a strong education advocate to the council and reflects growing voter interest in school-to-city leadership pipelines. Johnson’s district includes parts of South Dallas and faces challenges related to housing and economic development.

Adam Bazaldua Re-Elected in District 7

Councilmember Adam Bazaldua secured re-election in District 7 with over 57% of the vote. Bazaldua, who has served since 2019, is known for his work on homelessness and public safety. His re-election ensures continuity in a district that includes Fair Park and parts of South Dallas. Bazaldua’s next term will focus on affordable housing, infrastructure upgrades, and youth engagement programs.

Zarin Gracey Retains District 3 Seat

Zarin Gracey was re-elected to represent District 3 with 54% of the vote. A nonprofit leader and community advocate, Gracey has prioritized economic development and public health. His district includes parts of Oak Cliff and West Dallas. Gracey’s second term will focus on expanding access to healthcare, improving transit, and supporting small businesses.

Jesse Moreno Wins Re-Election in District 2 Councilmember Jesse Moreno was re-elected in District 2 with 90% of the vote. A lifelong resident of the district, Moreno has focused on parks, public safety, and neighborhood preservation. His overwhelming victory reflects strong constituent support and positions him as a potential leader on citywide initiatives.

Cornyn Faces Primary Challenge from Ken Paxton Senator John Cornyn is facing a tough 2026 primary from Attorney General Ken Paxton, who leads in early polls.

Democrats Eye Senate Seat if Paxton Wins GOP Primary Texas Democrats see an opening in the Senate race if scandal-plagued Ken Paxton defeats Cornyn in the Republican primary.

James Talarico Considers Senate Run State Rep. James Talarico is weighing a U.S. Senate bid, citing Paxton’s vulnerabilities and the need for new leadership.

Colin Allred Urged to Run for Senate Again After losing to Ted Cruz in 2024, Colin Allred is being encouraged to run for Senate in 2026 if Paxton is the GOP nominee.

TX-18 Special Election Set for November A special election will be held in November to replace the late Rep. Sylvester Turner in Texas’ 18th Congressional District.

TX-32 Heads to Runoff After Tight Special Election No candidate secured a majority in TX-32’s special election, triggering a runoff between the top two Democrats.

Debbie Mayfield Flips Texas Senate District

Republican Debbie Mayfield won SD-19 in a special election, flipping the seat and boosting GOP control in the state Senate.Texas Democrats celebrated a symbolic win as their Minnesota counterparts held SD-60 in a tight special election.

Texas Senate Race: Cornyn Faces Paxton Primary Showdown

Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn will face Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the 2026 GOP primary. Recent polls show Paxton leading by up to 16 points within the party, highlighting internal GOP tension . Cornyn retains strong fundraising and establishment support, but Paxton’s Trump-backed base poses a serious threat ahead of the general election.

Texas AG Mayes Middleton Enters Republican Primary
Texas State Senator Mayes Middleton (R–11) has declared a 2026 run for Texas Attorney General, transitioning from a legislative to statewide role . Middleton’s business background and House-in-the-Senate experience position him as a conservative contender to watch in a crowded GOP field.

Texas House Speaker Race Concludes
Texas House Republicans concluded their leadership race with Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) elected Speaker in January. Burrows navigated intra-party jockeying to assume power, aligning with Governor Abbott on key priorities like tax cuts and education reform. His leadership will influence legislative action ahead of the 2026 elections.

Texas Gubernatorial Race: Abbott Seeks 4th Term
Governor Greg Abbott announced his run for an unprecedented fourth term in the 2026 gubernatorial election, potentially extending his record-breaking tenure As the longest-serving governor, Abbott’s campaign will likely center on conservative policies and state sovereignty, reinforcing his dominance in statewide politics.

U.S. Senate 2026: Cornyn vs. Paxton Lineup Firming Up
Texas’ 2026 Senate race is taking shape: Cornyn faces primary pressure from Paxton—a former impeachment-targeted AG—but also potential GOP contender Rep. Wesley Hunt Cornyn’s long incumbency is now contested; the primary outcome is critical in a state with long Republican dominance but shifting dynamics.

Constitutional Amendments to Appear on 2025 Texas Ballot
Texas will place several constitutional amendments before voters in November 2025, covering topics like property tax caps, parental rights, citizenship requirements, bail restrictions, and dementia research funding . These proposals reflect conservative priorities and aim to shape long-term governance and social policy trends statewide.

Texas State Senate Makeup Holds GOP Advantage
Following the 2024 elections, Republicans have expanded their majority in the Texas Senate (20–11) and House (88–62) . These supermajorities enable conservative legislative achievements, such as education funding, voucher programs, and campus protest restrictions—with Democrats targeting 2026 swing districts for potential gains.

Texas State Legislative Session Delivers Key Reforms
The 2025 regular session passed over 1,200 bills, including school funding adjustments, teacher pay reforms, and postpartum voucher programs. Session ended June 2, with Abbott poised to call a special session for redistricting and lobbyist regulations. The outcomes will influence the political and fiscal landscape into the next cycle.

House Races: Swing Districts in Spotlight
With completion of the 2025 session, Texas House districts 34 and 80, flipped Republican in 2024, remain competitive ahead of 2026 . Suburban voter concerns on education and taxes will determine candidate direction. Both parties are recruiting aggressive campaigns to gain ground.

State Senate Races Gear Up in HD 30
Newly seated Sen. Brent Hagenbuch (R–30) from Denton County prepared for reelection as part of the 2026 cycle . His business and military background strengthen his standing in a competitive district. The race will test GOP retention in North Texas suburban areas.

San Antonio Mayoral Election Settles
Amir Omar’s victory in Richardson underscores growing diversity in North Texas mayoral races . Meanwhile, San Antonio held its 2025 mayoral contest in May, emphasizing urban development and city council coordination, signaling broader local voter engagement patterns.

Texas Congressional Special Elections on Radar
Texas' special congressional races emerged around Webb County's 28th District—Judge Tano Tijerina launched a Republican exploratory bid against indicted Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar . The contest reflects shifting border dynamics, especially after the district voted Republican in 2024.

Dallas ISD Board Elections Split Over Charter Expansion
Four Dallas school board seats up for election have become battlegrounds over charter schools, with candidates backed by teachers unions leading in early polling. The July 15 elections could shift the board's balance of power as the district faces declining enrollment and budget shortfalls. Over $2.1 million has been spent by outside groups - a record for Dallas school board races.

Downtown Development Debate Heats Up Council Races
Candidates in Dallas's District 2 and 14 council races are clashing over downtown revitalization plans ahead of the July 15 election. Pro-growth candidates backed by business groups face opposition from neighborhood activists concerned about gentrification. The outcomes could determine whether major projects like the $2 billion Convention Center overhaul move forward.

Dallas County DA Primary Headed for Recount
The Democratic primary for District Attorney will require a recount after incumbent John Creuzot led challenger Elizabeth Frizell by just 127 votes out of 98,000 cast. The race centered on criminal justice reforms, with Frizell criticizing Creuzot's misdemeanor diversion programs. Election officials expect the recount to begin June 12.

Early Voting Surges in Dallas Elections
Dallas County has seen record early voting turnout for the July 15 elections, with over 58,000 ballots already cast - a 42% increase over 2023's municipal elections. Elections officials attribute the surge to competitive races and extended voting hours at 45 locations across the county.

Sheriff's Race Dominated by Immigration Debate
The Dallas County Sheriff's race has become a referendum on immigration enforcement, with Republican challenger Alex Pena criticizing incumbent Marian Brown's jail policies. Recent debates turned contentious over cooperation with ICE, with the issue driving unusual Republican turnout in early voting.

Affordable Housing Measure Appears Headed for Ballot
A coalition has submitted 48,000 signatures to place an affordable housing bond measure on Dallas's November ballot. The $200 million proposal would fund mixed-income developments, but faces opposition from anti-tax groups. City Council will vote June 15 on whether to certify the petition.

DART Board Elections Draw Unusual Attention
Normally sleepy Dallas Area Rapid Transit board elections have attracted record candidate interest amid debates over safety and service cuts. Twelve candidates are vying for four seats in the July 15 election that could shift DART's leadership direction.

Judge Races Focus on Court Backlog Crisis
Candidates for Dallas County judicial seats are campaigning on promises to reduce case backlogs that grew during the pandemic. The July 15 elections feature several competitive races, with Democrats hoping to maintain their sweep of countywide offices.

Park Board Elections Split Over Fair Park Plans
Candidates for Dallas Park Board are divided over proposed changes to Fair Park management ahead of the July 15 election. The normally low-profile races have drawn unusual attention as the board prepares to vote on a new operating agreement.