This story originally published on 4/25/23, and was updated at 5:15 p.m. on 5/5/23.
In the 2021 May election, fewer than 10 percent of Dallas County’s registered voters cast a ballot. That means a great deal of the councils and boards of trustees in cities and districts inside Dallas County were picked by very few people.
Expect more of the same during this year’s cycle. Mayor Eric Johnson drew no official challengers, but Jrmar Jefferson is protesting his disqualification and Kendal Richardson is running as a write-in candidate. In the absence of a true mayoral race as a sort of title-card, will turnout be better this time? Odds are likely not—in 2019, with interest in the election seemingly at an all-time high with nine candidates for Dallas mayor, countywide turnout was still less than 10 percent.
On April 24, the first day of the early voting period, 6,082 registered Dallas County voters cast their ballots—less than 0.5 percent. At the end of early voting on Tuesday, 66,797 people had voted in Dallas County, fewer than 5 percent of the almost 1.4 million registered voters in the county.
On May 6, Election Day, polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., and once again, you can vote at any polling location in the county.
If candidates in any race do not receive at least 50 percent of the vote, there will be a runoff election in June.
If you are registered to vote and need more information about candidates, we’re providing this comprehensive guide to information about each candidate, including the two Dallas ISD races.
Note: Dallas ISD District 8 incumbent trustee Joe Carreon did not have a challenger, and in Dallas City Council District 12, which represents Far North Dallas, incumbent Cara Mendelsohn did not draw a challenger either. So you won’t see those races listed below.
And speaking of elections, you’re probably getting bombarded by campaign mailers and texts, some positive and some intensely negative. We’d love to hear from you about how you feel about those mailers and what you’re looking for in a city council candidate or school board candidate.
Dallas City Council District 1, North Oak Cliff
Chad West (incumbent)
West is running for a third term as councilman. He was heavily involved in the passage of the West Oak Cliff Area Plan, and, before becoming a council member in 2019, he served on the City Plan Commission. He’s also been the city’s mayor pro tem and once chaired the City Council’s Housing Committee.
The candidate’s words: Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Casa Guanajuato Dallas Texas forum, Wax Space and Oak Cliff Advocate forum, League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire
“I think we need to have a serious conversation if May election dates are what is best for our city. That is in our city charter, and I would support a review on changing it.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Neighbors for Housing, Stonewall Democrats, Dallas Morning News, Dallas Builders Association, Dallas Fire Fighters Association, Dallas Police Association, Apartment Association of Greater Dallas, MetroTex Association of Realtors, and the Sierra Club of Dallas.
Mariana Griggs
Community activist and Dallas ISD substitute teacher Mariana Griggs is running for the seat once held by her ex-husband, Scott Griggs. She has sat on the boards of Audubon Dallas and the Salvation Army, and founded Community Gardens of Oak Cliff and La Granja Urbana.
The Candidate’s Words: Casa Guanajuato Dallas Texas forum, Wax Space and Oak Cliff Advocate forum, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, a campaign announcement on CandysDirt.com, League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire
“It is time for both majority and minority representation in our District. I know how to talk to my neighbors. We respect each other. I will work for what we know we need, not for what someone else wants to do for us.” Taken from a statement to the Oak Cliff Advocate.
Endorsements include: The Dallas County Republican Party
Albert Mata
Community activist Albert Mata is part of the neighborhood group Somos Tejas, which helped organize Latino residents in the production of the West Oak Cliff Area Plan. A third-generation Oak Cliff resident, his family has lived in the area since the 1970s.
The Candidate’s Words: Casa Guanajuato Dallas Texas forum, Wax Space and Oak Cliff Advocate forum, Dallas Morning News questionnaire
“Bishop Arts is a model of what not to do. Bishop Arts is an amenity to this district but we allowed it to be over-developed, we did it without true community engagement, we did it at the expense of those most vulnerable. We want nice things in Oak Cliff, but we want it for us and not just those that we wish to bring in.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: 23rd Senatorial District Tejano Democrats, Mexican American Bar Association of Dallas, former District 1 candidate Giovanni Valderas.
Dallas City Council District 2, Deep Ellum, Old East Dallas, the Medical District
Jesse Moreno (incumbent)
Jesse Moreno grew up in Old East Dallas and has been the longtime owner of La Popular Tamale House. District 2 runs east-west through Dallas, spanning Deep Ellum and the Love Field Area.
The candidate’s words: Dallas Morning News questionnaire, League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire
“What I love most about District 2 is the neighborhoods and culture that comes with them. In order to protect this we must allow our neighborhood to self determine. I will continue to protect our residents and neighborhoods. Everyone wants and deserves a Dallas that is safe and equitable. I believe that if we use the Forward Dallas Comprehensive Plan it can be used as a guide to give neighbors what they want and deserve.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Stonewall Democrats, Dallas Neighbors for Housing, Dallas Morning News, Dallas Police Association, Mexican American Bar Association, Apartment Association of Greater Dallas, 23rd Senatorial District Tejano Democrats
Sukhbir Kaur
There is little information on Kaur, who told the Dallas Morning News she moved here from Euless three years ago. She is a customer service representative.
The candidate’s words: Dallas Morning News questionnaire, CandysDirt.com questionnaire, League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire
“The cost of doing business is affordable and favorable tax climate for businesses. Skilled workforce access, world-class airports, education, and research universities and affordable real estate, spectacular museums and performing arts venues, and restaurants. Dallas has evolved into a major financial and tech hub.” Taken from a CandysDirt.com questionnaire.
Endorsements include: The Dallas County Republican Party
Dallas City Council District 3, Southwest Dallas
August Doyle
Doyle, a retired city of Dallas employee, has run for City Council three times.
The candidate’s words: Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“There is a disconnect between the city and the citizens. The citizens are in the dark as to the direction our city is going. I want to bridge this gap by developing and implementing a plan or system that would encourage individual participation in city government. I want to work on crime, homelessness, infrastructure, and economic development in district 3.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: None reported.
Zarin Gracey
Gracey has served on the City Plan Commission, and has also worked for the city as the executive manager for Business Inclusion Development and was the director of the Office of Business Diversity. He’s an executive pastor at Concord Church.
The candidate’s words: Dallas Morning News questionnaire, CandysDirt.com questionnaire, League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“I desire to make District 3 a place where everyone can experience their ‘first’; their first apartment, first home, or their dream home regardless of their economic status and District 3 has a unique opportunity to do just that. My work on the Dallas Public Facilities Corporation is just one example of creative ways to meet the needs of all of our residents. Additionally, pairing existing housing data with the migration patterns of residents can provide valuable insights into our housing needs as we transition to our next ‘first’.” Taken from a League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Morning News, term-limited District 3 Councilman Casey Thomas, Stonewall Democrats.
Denise Benavides
Benavides, a community organizer and activist, ran for City Council in 2019 but dropped out because of a high-risk pregnancy.
The candidate’s words: Dallas Morning News questionnaire, CandysDirt.com questionnaire, League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“I will NOT allow STR’s in our neighborhoods. We need to protect families and children and STR’s are not safe. I will make sure our neighborhoods are owned by homeowners NOT Corporations.” Taken from a CandysDirt.com questionnaire.
Endorsements include: None reported.
John David Sims
Sims didn’t fill out any questionnaires that we could find (but did participate in the Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics forum). The Dallas Morning News said Sims isn’t “running a viable campaign.”
Endorsements include: The Dallas County Republican Party
Joe Tave
Tave has also previously run for the District 3 seat. The radio talk show host has also served on several city advisory committees and boards, including the Civil Service Board and Community Development Commission. He is on the board of directors for the Dallas Black Academy of Arts & Letters, the Bethlehem Foundation, and the Texas Alliance for the Arts.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“District 3 is overbuilt with 19 Low Income Housing Tax Credit units. We do not need any more. What we need are 6,200 affordable and Market Rate single family homes, according to the City’s Comprehensive Housing Policy! District 3 needs better code enforcement, more and better access to home loans since in many cases, even subsidized rents are MORE than a mortgage.” Taken from a League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire
Endorsements include: None reported
Dallas City Council District 4, South Oak Cliff
Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn King Arnold (incumbent)
Arnold has served six non-consecutive terms on the City Council, winning her first election in 2015 with 51 percent of the vote against a field of seven candidates. Now the mayor pro tem, she has been supportive of holding off demolition in the Tenth Street Historic District, as well as improving The Bottom community south of the Trinity River.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“The greatest challenge for the city is to embrace the adoption of the Equity Policies adopted by Council. There must be continuity and a commitment long term to our historically underserved communities.” Taken from a League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Morning News, Stonewall Democrats.
Jamie Smith
Smith, an accountant, has worked with other local cities like Duncanville. She also serves as secretary of the organization Oak Cliff Garden.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“The conditions of the district are still unacceptable. I am beyond irritated, watching the endless spectacle of missed opportunities to grow District 4 to its full potential, (i.e., investing in our youth, forging a budding relationship with law enforcement, decommodifying property and empowering the “have nots”, more sustainable and equitable development and infrastructure, assisting seniors & veterans, etc.).” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Recommended by the Dallas County Republican Party, Dallas Firefighter Association
Dallas City Council District 5, Southeast Dallas
Jaime Resendez (incumbent)
A former Dallas ISD school board trustee, Resendez is also a practicing attorney who grew up in Pleasant Grove. He served eight years in the Army before obtaining his law degree.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“The city must strive to align workforce training with the needs of businesses. We need to work with companies moving to Dallas to understand their needs and then work closely with DISD, Dallas College, Workforce Solutions, and other stakeholders to prepare residents for these jobs. The city also needs to continue expanding its efforts to bridge the digital divide. Most employment opportunities cannot be accessed without using the internet.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Morning News, Stonewall Democrats
Yolanda Faye Williams
Yolanda Faye Williams is a former member of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, and a paralegal and marketing director. She ran for the District 5 seat two years ago, too. She has also served on the Dallas Police Department advisory board, the Baylor Scott & White advisory board, and is a Democratic precinct chairwoman.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“One of the city’s greatest challenges is the housing crisis. Dallas is facing a shortage of affordable housing, which has led to increased homelessness and displacement of low-income families. Another challenge facing Dallas is bureaucracy at City Hall. The city government has been criticized for being slow and inefficient in addressing key issues facing the city, such as the housing crisis, transportation, and infrastructure. Reducing bureaucratic hurdles and streamlining decision-making processes will be crucial in ensuring that the city can respond effectively to the challenges and opportunities it faces.” Taken from a League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire.
Endorsements include: The Dallas County Republican Party.
Terry Perkins
Terry Perkins has served on the Park Board, the Board of Adjustments, a Mayor’s task force, and the Cultural Affairs Commission. The pastor of Abundant Grace Church, he also ran for this seat in 2021.
The candidate’s words: Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“In the prior election for District 5, I came within 37 votes of a runoff with the current councilman. It is my belief that I am the best candidate for this office and will advocate with more passion and commitment than our current representative, providing increased support, transparency, communication, and results for our residents.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: None reported.
Dallas City Council District 6, West Dallas
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Omar Narvaez (incumbent)
Narvaez is seeking his fourth and final term, and has seen his tenure’s workload punctuated by two disasters: a gas line explosion that displaced two communities in 2018, and an EF3 tornado that cut a path of destruction through the district, ripping apart houses and three schools. He is on the board of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, and was chosen Texan of the Year by the Dallas Voice.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire,
“What’s next is some unfinished business like completing the passage of two new TIFs for West & NW Dallas, continue changing policy for more affordable workforce housing, continue major street renovations in West Dallas Chalk Hill and Canada Drive. Get the racial equity plan and housing plan implemented. Pass the Bachman Area Plan and make sure that District 6 once again receives an equitable amount of money in the 2024 Bond.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Neighbors for Housing, Stonewall Democrats, Dallas Morning News, Ledbetter Eagle Ford Neighborhood Association, Dallas County Tejano Democrats, The Real Estate Council, Black Police Association of Greater Dallas.
Sidney Robles-Martinez
Robles-Martinez is a political consultant and serves as a Democratic precinct chairman.
The candidate’s words: Dallas Morning News questionnaire
“I’d say the city shouldn’t be imposing policy on short term rentals if the city doesn’t own the property – However, impose that they stay in compliance to property code and that no illegal activity is being conducted . And that a permit possibly for a 1 yr renewable permit every year.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: The Dallas County Republican Party.
Monica Alonzo
Alonzo served as District 6’s council member from 2011-2017, and has run against Narvaez four times. She is a member of the Hispanic 100, St. Cecilia’s Council of Catholic Women, and the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire,
“The city should use Neighborhood Empowerment Zones to provide property tax relief to homeowners in gentrifying areas for families living at or below 80% of AMI (area median income). They can do this in the form of a 10-year property tax freeze. This will help families be able to afford to continue to own their home in spite of redevelopment around them.” Taken from a League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Fire Fighters Association, Dallas Police Association.
Tony Carrillo
Carrillo, a businessman, has volunteered for several local organizations, as well as Dallas ISD. He has served as vice president of the La Bajada Neighborhood Community Association and the Mexican American Baseball League. He has run for this seat three times previously.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
“Refunding the Dallas Police Department. We need response time improvement. I have a plan, if elected I will propose this idea.”Taken from a League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire.
Endorsements include: None reported.
Dallas City Council District 7, South Dallas/Fair Park
Adam Bazaldua(incumbent)
Bazaldua was first elected in 2019, and currently chairs the council’s Quality of Life, Arts, and Culture committee. He is a member of the Environment & Sustainability, Government Performance & Financial Management, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees. In addition, he’s a board member of Hispanic Elected Local Officials of the National League of Cities, and serves as vice chair of The Large Cities Council of the National League of Cities.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“Our district’s single greatest physical asset is Fair Park, which also holds historical and cultural significance to not only our district but the entire city of Dallas. This 277-acre asset has been neglected for far too long but has the best leadership under Spectra and Fair Park First and structures to make sure it does not fall into neglect again.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Morning News, Our Revolution North Texas, The Real Estate Council, Dallas County Tejano Democrats, Stonewall Democrats, Black Police Association of Greater Dallas.
Okema Thomas
Thomas is a businesswoman and community volunteer. We could not find any forums or questionnaires that she participated in.
Endorsements include: None reported.
Tracy Dotie Hill
Tracy Dotie Hill is a Buckner Terrace resident and real estate broker. She is a member of the NAACP Dallas Chapter’s executive committee, a Dallas ISD volunteer, and is a Democratic precinct chairwoman.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“We have such great resources in our district that are currently being squandered. We have existing structures that can quickly and affordably be converted into affordable housing units. As a realtor and proud member of District 7, I can bring the right people together to understand the opportunities and see the potential economic boost these properties could generate for District 7 and greater Dallas.” Taken from a League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire.
Endorsements include: The Dallas County Republican Party.
Marvin E. Crenshaw
Longtime civil rights activist Marvin E. Crenshaw has been at the forefront of many of the fights the Black community has faced in Dallas, including becoming a co-plaintiff in the court case that struck down the city’s previous council make up of eight single-member districts and three at-large districts.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
On moving Council elections to Novembers in odd-numbered years: “…a candidate presently in the May elections can be more honest and not have to toe a Democratic party nor Republican party line and therefore in my opinion can be more creative and honest.” Taken from a League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire
Endorsements include: None reported.
Dallas City Council District 8, South Oak Cliff and southern Dallas
Tennell Atkins (incumbent)
Tennell Atkins has served two stints as the District 8 council member, first from 2007 to 2015, and again in 2017 until now. This will be his fourth term.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“My constituents are concerned about public safety and I have worked diligently on this issue. My focus has long been improving economic opportunity for residents of the district by bringing in new business, improving infrastructure, and supporting existing business in the district.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Morning News, Stonewall Democrats.
Davante D. Peters
Peters served his community most recently as part of the Lane Plating Community Advisory Group, which operated as liaison between the neighborhood around the plant and the EPA as various agencies worked to plan how to clean up the Superfund site. He also led efforts to rename a portion of Lamar Street after the late Botham Jean.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“Create a feedback program that allows citizens to grade and report officers in which citizens could scan their phone or their badge and see their grade. We should incentivize officers with good grades and reprimand and discipline those with bad grades. Give good officers rewards for being good and for their community feedback. Relocate the bad ones into other parts of the city they feel more comfortable in and follow their performance there.” Taken from a League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire.
Endorsements include: None reported
Subrina Brenham
Brenham, a business owner, is a volunteer with Parkland Healthy Start. She is a member of the NAACP, and the Dallas Infant Mortality Group, and lobbied Parkland for a new clinic in District 8.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“I would maximize the potential of UNT-Dallas and Paul Quinn College and the immediate neighborhoods with a mixed use economic development plan that would include a quality grocery store, restaurants, housing for high and medium income, and all the necessary essentials that would make a diverse area thrive in today’s time.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: None reported.
Dallas City Council District 9, White Rock Lake and Far East Dallas
Paula Blackmon (incumbent)
Blackmon has served two terms and is leading the charge to dredge White Rock Lake. She chairs the council’s Environmental and Sustainability Committee and co-chairs the Fentanyl/Opioid strike force. She also pushed to create Period Access Dallas, a city pilot program that provides menstrual hygiene products in city libraries and community centers.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics, White Rock Lake Task Force forum
“We still need to fix many of our eroding streets and sidewalks and get neighborhood speeding under control. We can address these issues by allocating more funding to general maintenance through the city’s general fund and more capital improvements using bond funding, which should be presented to voters next year. We must also consider creating transportation plans to calm speeders with engineering improvements, backed by resources to enforce safer streets.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Morning News, Stonewall Democrats, Dallas Police Association, Mexican American Democrats of Texas, Dallas Builders Association.
Kendra Denise Madison
Madison is a human resources professional who spent scant time filling out questionnaires for the Dallas Morning News or the League of Women Voters Dallas.
The candidate’s words: Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics, White Rock Lake Task Force forum
On addressing the unhoused population at White Rock Lake: “If we know exactly what is out there and who has what, we can get people the help that they need without having to wait a little bit longer. Because coming from a recruiting background, I know it’s going to be some time before we can get some of these mental health professionals in place and before we can get clinicians in place and before we get police officers in place.” Taken from a White Rock Lake Task Force forum.
Endorsements include: Recommended by the Dallas County Republican Party
Dallas City Council District 10, Lake Highlands
Sirrano Keith Baldeo
Baldeo, a publisher, has run twice before for this seat. He says he is targeting corruption.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics, Lake Highlands Exchange Club forum, CandysDirt.com questionnaire
On short term rentals: “When you structure a community, you have to have your commercial, your business and your residence. I think people pay a lot of money for their homes, and they deserve to have their quietness to live in those homes. I don’t need a long speech on this. My vote would just be no.” Taken from a Lake Highlands Exchange Club forum.
Endorsements include: None reported.
Kathy Stewart
Stewart served as the executive director for three public improvement districts in Lake Highlands and Uptown between 2014 and 2022. She was also District 10’s commissioner for the city’s Arts and Culture Commission, and served on the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics, Lake Highlands Exchange Club forum, CandysDirt.com questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
On short term rentals: “Every district needs to accept affordable housing. I will make community engagement a top priority – early in the process – so that developers have a chance to hear from residents and respond to their concerns. My biggest concern is that we don’t concentrate new affordable housing projects all in one area of the district.” Taken from a CandysDirt.com questionnaire
Endorsements include: Dallas Morning News, current District 10 Councilman Adam McGough, Recommended by the Dallas County Republican Party.
Chris Carter
Carter bills himself as a conservative businessman and was born and raised in Lake Highlands. He sued the city of Dallas in 2019 after the Plan Commission voted to remove the Confederate War Memorial from outside the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics, Lake Highlands Exchange Club forum, CandysDirt.com questionnaire, White Rock Lake Task Force forum.
“This is tasked to us by the city charter —the police, sanitation and roads. We are not tasked with diversity, equity and inclusion programs, so that stuff’s got to wait while we get our priorities put in order. And that’s what I’m going to do. This is not the intractable problem that T.C. Broadnax tried to make it out to be. It’s a real simple problem. We’re going to pay them more money.” Taken from a White Rock Lake Task Force forum.
Endorsements include: The Dallas County Republican Party, Dallas Jewish Conservatives.
Brian Hasenbauer
Hasenbauer is a former city Community Development Commission member, and also is a member of the Lake Highlands White Rock Democrats. He is a board member of the Friends of Lake Highlands Trail and Climate Reality DFW. He also founded Lake Highlands Restaurant Week.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics, Lake Highlands Exchange Club forum, CandysDirt.com questionnaire, White Rock Lake Task Force forum, Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
“It’s important that District 10 residents have a say in how the redevelopment and changes on 635 are implemented after the new frontage roads are functional. Several plans and vision statements have been created in the past and need to be reviewed in tandem with receiving additional feedback in public meetings from residents, business leaders, community leaders, and the 635 Corridor Business Taskforce.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Neighbors for Housing, Stonewall Democrats
Dallas City Council District 11, North Dallas
Jaynie Schultz (incumbent)
Before she was elected to city council in 2021, Schultz served six years as the district’s representative on the City Plan Commission. She chairs the council’s Workforce, Education and Equity Committee.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Preston Hollow People questionnaire.
“I tackle community issues as I tackle all issues, by studying the problem, hearing as many voices as possible, and planning for a strategic approach to solving the root cause while working on the symptoms.” Taken from a Preston Hollow People questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Morning News, Stonewall Democrats, Dallas Fire Fighters Association, Dallas Builders Association, The Real Estate Council.
Candy Evans
Evans, a real estate journalist who has run for the District 11 seat previously, is vying for the seat for the second straight cycle. In addition to running CandysDirt.com, she serves on the boards of Preservation Dallas and Braemar Hotels & Resorts. She has also served on the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce public safety committee, and was board president of the USA Film Festival in 2015.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Preston Hollow People questionnaire.
“Right now, with the eyesore that is Valley View/Midtown, and the Class C apartments to the north of it, I believe we need to focus funds in District 11. We ARE an underserved area, and we deserve a fair amount of funding based on population and need.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Police Association, the Dallas County Republican Party.
Dallas City Council District 13, Preston Hollow
Gay Donnell Willis (incumbent)
Prior to being elected to the council, Willis served as the public safety committee chair for the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce and held leadership positions in the Junior League of Dallas. She was also a Vickery Community Action team member, and a charter cohort of the nonprofit Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation. She also served as the Vickery Meadow TIF board appointee of her predecessor, Jennifer Staubach Gates, and was the CEO and president of Turtle Creek Conservancy.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Preston Hollow People questionnaire.
“Halloween 2022, I loaded up a City van with staff members representing Economic Development, Planning & Urban Design, Housing, Transportation and more for a D13 tour to ‘scare up’ redevelopment. We drove north to south, east to west, covering over 15 areas that are ripe for housing and mixed use development, which included the Royal Webb shopping center, Preston Center, Vickery Meadow, Forest & Marsh, as well as a complex that will become part of D13 in June.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Stonewall Democrats, Dallas Morning News, former District 13 council member Jennifer Staubach Gates.
Priscilla Shacklett
Shacklett was a real estate agent for 12 years and moved to Dallas more than a decade ago to help care for her grandson. According to her campaign, she developed a neighborhood subdivision as well. She has served as an election poll watcher and as a precinct judge in the past two elections.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Preston Hollow People questionnaire.
“Right now District 13 residents are very concerned about accelerated crime levels especially over the past two years. We are constantly seeing reports on Nextdoor in numbers we have never seen before. We need to give police the authority to enforce laws and we need a district attorney who will prosecute criminals.” Taken from a Preston Hollow People questionnaire.
Endorsements include: The Dallas County Republican Party.
Dallas City Council District 14, Downtown, Uptown, and portions of East Dallas
Paul Ridley (incumbent)
Ridley won the 2021 election for the District 14 seat, after serving for seven years on the City Plan Commission and five years on the Dallas Landmark Commission. He is vice-chair of the council’s Environment and Sustainability Committee and was named “Best Council Member 2022” by the Dallas Observer. He’s also been on the boards of Downtown Dallas Inc., Uptown Dallas Inc., and the McKinney Avenue Trolley Association.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“As the district with the most STRs (and probably the most complaints about them), I am advocating for adoption of amendments to the Development Code and a permit ordinance that would protect our neighborhoods from their damaging effects.” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Morning News, Stonewall Democrats, MetroTex Association of Realtors, Black Firefighters Association of Dallas, Mexican American Bar Association.
Amanda Schulz
Longtime District 14 resident and former Park Board member Amanda Schulz has worked as a residential real estate broker and attorney for more than 20 years. Last year, she received the Volunteer Excellence Award from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, CandysDirt.com questionnaire.
“It’s clear that proposed House Bill 14 is aimed at municipalities, like Dallas, that can’t get their act together. Although we have seen the mayor and city manager begin to tackle permitting with more force, and we have seen some improvements in the residential sector of permitting, commercial permitting is still largely a disaster.” Taken from a League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Police Association, Dallas Fire Fighters Association, The Real Estate Council, Apartment Association of Greater Dallas, Black American Futures PAC.
Joseph Francis Miller
Miller is a retired engineer that has never sought or served in public office. He has no campaign website, and according to his Dallas Morning News questionnaire, he has not been fundraising for his campaign.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics, CandysDirt.com questionnaire
“The role of developers is critically important in solving the affordable housing shortage. However, we must recognize and acknowledge that developers are entitled to make a profit. The City and the developers must gain each other’s trust and work together as a team to solve the affordable housing shortage.” Taken from a CandysDirt.com questionnaire.
Endorsements include: The Dallas County Republican Party.
Dallas ISD District 2: North Dallas, Lakewood, Uptown
Kevin Malonson
A former teacher, Malonson is the executive director of the nonprofit Teach Plus Texas, which works with policy and leadership guidance for teachers, and is a board member of the Commit Partnership, the Dallas College School of Education, and the Educator Collective. He’s also worked extensively with Dallas ISD in all of those roles.
The candidate’s words: Leadership ISD questionnaire, Dallas Kids First interview, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Preston Hollow People questionnaire, North Dallas Chamber of Commerce forum, League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Preston Hollow Advocate forum, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“In Texas, we don’t sufficiently fund public education, so local leaders have to make tough decisions to most effectively and efficiently spend precious funds. There is also a lot of inequity in our property tax based funding formula, so children in the same public education system in different parts of a city can have vastly different experiences.” Taken from a Leadership ISD questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Morning News, Dallas Kids First (A+ rating), NEA-Dallas, Educate Dallas, 23rd Senatorial District Tejano Democrats.
Jimmy Tran
Tran is an entrepreneur and a member of the Dallas Economic Development Corporation, and served on Dallas ISD’s 202 Bond Committee. He has three children attending two Dallas ISD schools.
The candidate’s words: Leadership ISD questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Dallas Kids First interview, Preston Hollow People questionnaire, North Dallas Chamber of Commerce forum, League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Preston Hollow Advocate forum, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“Dallas ISD has a big perception issue. Many people still view DISD as a ‘bad’ district, but the reality is that we are a B-rated district which puts us on par with Plano and Richardson ISD. We need to do a better job of lifting the perception of DISD — this will improve our ability to attract families and kids back into the district (which has faced declining enrollment for at least the last decade).” Taken from a Preston Hollow People questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Sunrise Movement, Mexican American Bar Association Dallas, Dallas Kids First (A rating), Preston Hollow Democrats, National Latino Law Enforcement Organization, Dallas County Tejano Democrats.
Sarah Weinberg
Weinberg served as chief strategy officer for United to Learn, a non profit that works to close opportunity gaps in Dallas ISD schools, and as a board member of KIPP, a preparatory charter school network. She is a Class of 2014 Leadership ISD fellow, and won the organization’s Dallas Community Fellow of the Year Award that year. She was also the 2014 recipient of the SMU’s Budd Center for Involving Communities in Education 2014 Community Builder Award.
The candidate’s words: Leadership ISD questionnaire, Dallas Morning News questionnaire, Preston Hollow People questionnaire, Dallas Kids First interview, North Dallas Chamber of Commerce forum, League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Preston Hollow Advocate forum, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“I want to know that our students are prepared and supported in their transition to college and career. Are they earning a living wage ten years out so they can support their own families and lives? If not, why not? What else can we do as a District to help our students thrive and reach their potential?” Taken from a Dallas Morning News questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Kids First (B rating) and Dustin Marshall, the current trustee for District 2. She is also backed by a handful of former city council members and other local elected officials.
Dallas ISD District 6: Southwest Dallas
Joyce Foreman (incumbent)
Foreman was first elected to the District 6 seat in 2014 and has served on the district’s Bond Advisory Committee since 2002. She has also served on the Greater Dallas Chamber executive committee, Dallas Area Rapid Transit board, and El Centro College Office Career Advisory committee. In 2011, she retired from her company, Foreman Office Products, after 30 years in business.
The candidate’s words: League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“We have to do a better job of retaining our experienced teachers. The last few years we have raised the starting salaries for new uncertified teachers while we have been somewhat silent on making sure experienced teachers feel valued and are paid noting their experience as one element. We must find a way to both hire new teachers and make sure our experienced teachers feel valued.” Taken from a League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire.
Endorsements include: Dallas Morning News, Educate Dallas.
Stephen Poole
Poole is a product of Dallas ISD schools, having graduated in 1991 from Carter High School. He worked with the Dallas County Juvenile Department after graduating from college, but then obtained his teaching certification and began his career with Dallas ISD before working in three other large urban districts. He sat on the 2008 Dallas ISD Bond Oversight Committee.
The candidate’s words: Leadership ISD questionnaire, Dallas Kids First Interview, League of Women Voters Dallas questionnaire, Dallas Examiner’s Monday Night Politics
“My why: To support the superintendent and the district’s goal to educate the children across Dallas. To ensure that all children receive the tools needed through education that will enable them to have a stable and sustainable life.” Taken from a Leadership ISD questionnaire.
Endorsements include: None reported
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