GOP Presidential Candidate Tim Scott Welcomes Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson to Republican Party
In an exciting turn of events, GOP presidential candidate Tim Scott made a trip to Dallas, Texas, where he met with Mayor Eric Johnson and personally extended a warm welcome to him as a new member of the Republican party.
Senator Tim Scott, who is vying for the Republican nomination along with a dozen other candidates, met with Mayor Johnson after the latter announced his departure from the Democratic Party. Notably, both men are black.
“A few years ago, I first met Mayor Eric Johnson at Bishop T.D. Jakes’ church. Today, it was a pleasure to come to Dallas and welcome him to the Great Opportunity Party. Mayor Johnson, we are happy to have you,” Mr. Scott wrote on Facebook on Tuesday afternoon.
The two leaders took a stroll through Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas, engaging in a discussion about their shared goal of promoting Republican leadership nationwide.
“I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Senator @votetimscott [Tim Scott] this morning. We agreed on the need for more fiscally conservative, pro-public safety Republican leadership in America’s cities and the lingering negative effects of the radical left-led ‘Defund the Police’ movement. I look forward to meeting with other allies who believe in strong, safe, and vibrant cities,” Mr. Johnson wrote on X following Mr. Scott’s visit.
The mayor also made it clear that he has no plans to resign from his position.
“I remain committed to continuing our successful efforts here in Dallas for the next four years,” he added.
Democrats Call For Resignation
However, not everyone celebrated Mr. Johnson’s party switch. The Dallas Democrat Party recently launched an online petition demanding his resignation from city leadership.
“Mayor Johnson’s switch to the Republican Party is nothing short of an insult to Dallas voters,” reads the petition calling for Mr. Johnson’s resignation.
“This switch is the launch of a selfish and cynical strategy to get his next job at the expense of his current job, the one Dallas voters elected him to do.”
Republican presidential candidate Tim Scott of South Carolina and Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson at Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas, Texas, on Oct. 3, 2023. (Courtesy of Mayor Eric Johnson’s Office)
Kardal Coleman, chair of the Dallas County Democratic Party, expressed his disappointment and described the mayor’s decision as an “embarrassment” to the city.
“The Texas Republican Party proved it is part of corruption and crime by voting not to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton,” said Dallas County Democratic Party Chair Kardal Coleman, 33, in a news release. “Johnson’s decision to join that party is an embarrassment to him and our community. Mayor Johnson has run out on his job, he’s run out on the voters that elected him, and now his time has run out. Eric Johnson must resign now.”
Mr. Coleman, the first-ever black chairman of Dallas County Democrats, expressed his lack of surprise but deep disappointment in the mayor’s move during an interview with WFAA-TV’s Inside Texas Politics on Sunday.
As of now, the petition has received less than 2,000 signatures, far from the required 97,000 needed to initiate a recall.
Mr. Coleman’s office did not immediately respond to The Epoch Times’ request for comment.
Largest City With Republican Mayor
With this party switch, Dallas becomes the largest city in the country to have a Republican mayor, even though the position is nonpartisan. Prior to serving as mayor in 2019, Mr. Johnson spent nine years as a Democrat in the Texas Legislature.
Mr. Johnson, who was re-elected for a second and final term earlier this year, assured voters that his party affiliation would not affect his leadership of Dallas. His term extends until 2027.
“I have no intention of changing my approach to my job. But today, I am changing my party affiliation. 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,” Mr. Johnson wrote in an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal on Sept. 22.
Mr. Johnson’s office did not respond to The Epoch Times’ request for an interview.
The Republican Party of Texas commended the mayor for his decision and welcomed him with a resolution.
“Therefore, be it resolved that the Republican Party of Texas commends Dallas Mayor Eric Lynn Johnson for his wisdom and courage in publicly declaring his new home in the Republican Party and extends a welcome to him,” states the resolution dated Sept. 25.
How does the meeting between Tim Scott and Mayor Johnson reflect the Republican Party’s emphasis on diversity and inclusivity?
Ssion about their shared values and goals for the Republican Party. They emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusivity within the party and the need for more representation from minority communities.
Mayor Johnson, who previously identified as a Democrat, explained that his decision to switch parties was driven by a belief that the Republican Party aligned more closely with his conservative values and principles. He expressed his admiration for Tim Scott and his dedication to serving the American people.
“I have long respected Tim Scott’s commitment to advocating for conservative policies that promote economic growth and individual liberty,” Mayor Johnson stated. “I believe that the Republican Party is the best platform for bringing about positive change in our communities.”
Tim Scott, in turn, praised Mayor Johnson for his courage in publicly announcing his departure from the Democratic Party. He described the mayor as a principled leader who puts the needs of his constituents above partisan politics.
“Mayor Johnson’s decision to join the Republican Party is a significant moment for both the party and our nation,” Senator Scott affirmed. “It speaks to the growing recognition that conservative principles can empower individuals and uplift communities, regardless of their background or ethnicity.”
The meeting between Tim Scott and Mayor Johnson is a testament to the increasing diversity within the Republican Party. As more individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds join the party, it showcases a broader representation of voices and perspectives.
This shift also challenges the narratives surrounding political affiliation and identity. It highlights that individuals should not be confined to predetermined ideologies based on their race or background. Instead, their beliefs and values should guide their political choices.
The Republican Party, with the inclusion of Mayor Johnson, hopes to bridge the divide and promote unity among diverse communities. They aim to create an environment where individuals can engage in respectful dialogue, find common ground, and work towards the betterment of all Americans.
As the Republican presidential race continues, Tim Scott’s meeting with Mayor Johnson serves as a reminder of the importance of building coalitions and fostering inclusivity. It demonstrates that political alliances should be driven by shared values and a commitment to serving the people.
The decision of Mayor Johnson to join the Republican Party sends a powerful message to other Democrats who may be questioning their party loyalty. It encourages individuals to evaluate their beliefs, explore alternative perspectives, and make decisions based on their principles rather than blind adherence to a particular party.
Overall, Tim Scott and Mayor Johnson’s meeting in Dallas highlights the evolving nature of American politics. It showcases the potential for transformation and the impact that individual choices can have on shaping the future of political discourse. The Republican Party, with its diverse membership, continues to evolve, adapt, and welcome new voices into its ranks.
Now loading...