Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, after serving 13 years in elected office in Texas as a Democrat and four years as mayor, announced a significant shift on Friday: he's now a Republican. This decision, detailed in a Wall Street Journal column, has sparked conversations about the recall process for elected officials in Dallas.
Recall Process in Dallas:
Dallas has a structured process in place for the recall of city council members, including the mayor:
1. Petition for Recall: A petition demanding the recall of a city council member must be filed with the city secretary. This petition must:
- Be signed by at least 15% of the voters who were eligible to vote for the member in the last general municipal election.
- Contain a general statement of the grounds for removal.
- Adhere to the provisions of Section 12, Chapter IV of the Dallas City Charter.
2. Notice and Timeline: On the day the petition is first circulated, the city secretary must be notified in writing by five registered voters from the city council district of the member in question. The petition must be filed within 60 days after this notice.
3. Verification: The city secretary has 30 days from the filing of the petition to verify its validity. If necessary, the city council can provide additional resources or time for this verification. The outcome of the examination will be attached to the petition.
4. Recall Election: If the petition is found valid, the city council will call a recall election on the next available election date, which is at least 60 days after the petition's certification. The member in question will automatically be on the ballot unless they resign or declare an intention not to be a candidate. The election will be for the unexpired term of the member.
Johnson's decision to switch parties has been met with varied reactions. While Texas Governor Greg Abbott celebrated the move, stating, "Texas is getting more Red every day," the Texas Democratic Party criticized Johnson, pointing out his previous affiliations with Republican leaders.
Despite the political shift of its mayor, Dallas remains a predominantly Democratic city. The county voted 65-33 in favor of President Joe Biden over former President Donald Trump in 2020. With Johnson's recent decision, discussions about the recall process have gained traction, highlighting the importance of understanding the mechanisms in place for holding elected officials accountable.
Sources: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/dallas/latest/dallas_tx/0-0-0-50171