Dallas County Democratic Party Extends Deadline for Candidates
The Dallas County Democratic Party has extended the deadline for candidates to file for county clerk and 330th judicial district family judge in the March 3 primary. This decision was made after County Clerk John Warren and 330th District Judge Andrea Plumlee withdrew their candidacies on Monday, the last day for candidates to get their names on the ballot.
Extension of Deadline
According to the state election code, parties can extend the filing period for a seat if an incumbent withdraws on the day of the deadline. The deadlines for the two races have been extended to Saturday at 6 p.m., as per notices published by the party. This extension provides an opportunity for new candidates to file for the positions.
Candidates File for County Clerk
Upon Warren’s withdrawal on Monday, Damarcus L. Offord, senior manager of state relations for DART, and Ann Marie Cruz, a nearly four-decade county employee, both filed to run for county clerk in the Democratic primary. Warren endorsed Offord as his successor. As of Wednesday, no other candidate had filed for Plumlee’s judicial district seat, according to Dallas County Democratic Party Chair Kardal Coleman.
Reaction from Republican Party Chair
In a statement, Dallas County Republican Party Chair Allen West took issue with the Democrats’ filing extension in light of the incumbent judge and county clerk’s withdrawals. He said while the extension is in accordance with the code, the optics give “the appearance of questionable intent.” West also stated that this code section gives power to incumbents and is an example of why the Texas election code needs to be reviewed.
Response from Democratic Party Chair
Coleman called West’s comments “flat out false” and said this code section is a safeguard to prevent incumbents from withdrawing and allowing their preferred candidate to file at the last minute. The extra time, Coleman said, enables more candidates to be given a chance to run. “This is not a good ole boy system,” Coleman said. “What we’re trying to do is follow the letter of the law and make sure people have a chance to file.”
Incumbents’ Decisions
In an interview on Tuesday, Warren said it was not an easy decision for him to end his campaign for a sixth term as the county’s custodian of records. Warren, who first took office in 2007, said he is proud of the technical and operational advancements the county clerk’s office has made over 20 years, like digitizing more than one billion records. However, when his current term ends in December 2026, Warren said he plans to serve as a courts and technology consultant to impact processes statewide. “That is where my passion is right now, to create those courts for tomorrow, not just today,” Warren said.
Other Races
County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins faces no challenger for the Democratic primary. Mike Immler, a retired Air Force attorney, is the sole Republican who filed for county judge and will challenge Jenkins in the Nov. 3 general election, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s website. The only Dallas County Commissioners race with a contested Democratic primary is District 4, where Commissioner Elba Garcia is seeking a fifth term. Psychologist and evangelical preacher Pedra Geter filed Monday to challenge Garcia.
Republican Candidates
County Commissioner Andrew Sommerman, District Clerk Felicia Pitre, and County Treasurer Pauline Medrano face no Democratic challengers in their bids for reelection. However, two Republicans filed for the primary to face Sommerman in the general election: retiree Blake W. Clemens and attorney Barry Wernick. Retired engineer Dave Muehlhaeusler is the sole Republican to file for district clerk, the state’s website shows. Skye Garcia is the only Republican to file for county clerk, and Corsandra Brigham Phelps is the lone Republican running for treasurer.
Constable Races
Last week, District Judge Amber Givens announced she would resign from presiding over the 282nd district to challenge District Attorney John Creuzot in the Democratic primary. Precinct 2 Constable Deanna Hammond is the only constable without a Democratic primary challenger. But Chad Calvert, an industrial engineer, filed to run as a Republican against Hammond. All four other incumbent constables face Democratic challengers.
Conclusion
The extension of the deadline for candidates to file for county clerk and 330th judicial district family judge has provided an opportunity for new candidates to enter the race. The decisions of the incumbents to withdraw from the race have led to a reaction from the Republican Party Chair, who questions the intent behind the extension. However, the Democratic Party Chair has defended the decision, stating that it is a safeguard to prevent incumbents from withdrawing and allowing their preferred candidate to file at the last minute.
FAQs
What is the new deadline for candidates to file for county clerk and 330th judicial district family judge?
The new deadline is Saturday at 6 p.m.
Why was the deadline extended?
The deadline was extended because County Clerk John Warren and 330th District Judge Andrea Plumlee withdrew their candidacies on the last day for candidates to get their names on the ballot.
Who has filed to run for county clerk in the Democratic primary?
Damarcus L. Offord and Ann Marie Cruz have filed to run for county clerk in the Democratic primary.
Who is the sole Republican to file for county judge?
Mike Immler, a retired Air Force attorney, is the sole Republican to file for county judge.
What is the status of the constable races?
Precinct 2 Constable Deanna Hammond is the only constable without a Democratic primary challenger, but Chad Calvert, an industrial engineer, has filed to run as a Republican against her. All four other incumbent constables face Democratic challengers.
