Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson revealed that he is leaving the Democratic Party to join the Republican Party.
Johnson called out local Democratic politicians in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal for “virtue signaling” and focusing on making “good headlines” instead of prioritizing creating “safer, stronger, more vibrant cities.” Johnson also pointed out how Democratic policies have made issues like homelessness and crime worse.
“Today I am changing my party affiliation,” Johnson wrote. “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.”
My very good friend Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson announced he is switching to the Republican Party. He's a good man. Welcome to our party.#txlege https://t.co/qOfwPMWWdy
— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) September 22, 2023
Johnson continued to highlight his record as the mayor of Dallas, pointing to how year after year for the past two years, Dallas has managed to bring down violent crime.
In August, the Dallas Police Department released data showing violent crime fell for the second year after the implementation of a violent crime reduction plan.
“I don’t believe I can stay on the sidelines any longer,” Johnson continued. “I have always tried to be honest and say what I think is right for my city. 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’s announcement of switching parties means that he will be considered to be the only Republican mayor to lead one of the 10 largest cities in the United States. Cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia are on the list.
“Too often, local tax dollars are spent on policies that exacerbate homelessness, coddle criminals and make it harder for ordinary people to make a living,” Johnson said, adding that “American cities need Republicans – and Republicans need American cities.”
Matt Rinaldi, the chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that they were “thrilled” to have Johnson join the GOP.
“In his tenure as mayor he has set the example by fighting to lower property taxes, resisted efforts to defund the police and make Dallas safer,” Rinaldi wrote. “We look forward to working with him to make Dallas better.
Similarly, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) acknowledged Johnson joining the GOP, pointing to how “Texas is getting more Red every day.”