Tony gutierrez/ap/file
In this April 2020 file photo, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson answers a question during a news conference at City Hall in Dallas.
Washington
CNN
—
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson announced Friday that he is switching parties and will serve as mayor of a blue-collar, Republican-aligned city.
Although the Dallas mayor’s office is nonpartisan, Johnson previously served as a Democratic member of the Texas Legislature. He lashed out at his former party in an event OP-ED for Wall Street Journal Released Friday, the Democrats blamed the policies for “increased crime and homelessness.”
“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 wrote. “Our cities desperately need a real 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 – US cities needed American cities.”
Johnson’s declaration makes him Only the Republican Party Among the mayors of the 10 most populous cities in the United States.
Johnson was there He was re-elected in May for a four-year term After being first elected in 2019 with 93% of the vote. President Joe Biden beat Dallas County by over 30 points 2020 election.
Texas Democratic Party issued a scathing statement On Friday, Johnson accused Dallas voters of being dishonest.
“[T]The voters of Dallas deserve to know where he stands before he runs for re-election as mayor,” said the party’s president and vice president. “He has not been honest with his constituents and knows he will lose to a Democrat if he flips before the election.”
“This weak excuse for Democratic representation sits right with Republicans — and we’re grateful that he can no longer tarnish the brand and values of the Texas Democratic Party,” they added.
On the other hand, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott welcomed Johnson’s new party affiliation.
said in a post on X, the site formerly known as Twitter. “He is pro-law enforcement and will not tolerate left-wing agendas.”
“Total coffee junkie. Tv ninja. Unapologetic problem solver. Beer expert.”