Incumbents in Dallas City Council retain positions, at least two open seats progress to a runoff election.
Tossed Hat in the 2025 Dallas Council Race Ring: A Clash of Incumbents and Challengers
Voters of the Lone Star City were back at the polls on a chilly Saturday, determining which political pals would have seats inside City Hall come the new year. With most of the incumbents facing a buffet of challengers, the race to maintain control of the council was as heated as a Texas summer.
By the end of the night, it seemed as though the incumbents had managed to scratch out enough wins to hold on to their coveted positions, according to the Dallas County elections administrator's unofficial results[1].
In four districts, residents will see a fresh face, as incumbents either reached their term limit or chose to hang up their political boots.
The south of the Trinity River area, predominantly Black and Latino, has been largely overlooked by 1500 Marilla St. for years[1]. Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins and District 4 Council Member Carolyn King Arnold have often reminded their colleagues - and the city - of this glaring oversight.
One of the primary issues facing Dallas is complying with two contentious charter amendments passed by voters last year, backed by a group with deep ties to conservative political movements across Texas[2]. These amendments, still to be fully understood, will undoubtedly demand the council's attention.
Another pressing matter will be learning how to work cohesively with two new public safety officials to hire more sworn police officers and reduce response times across the city[1]. This goal is a point upon which elected officials agree, but they diverge on what truly constitutes supporting the first responders.
Regaining the City's Trust
Restoring Dallas resident's trust in those elected to represent them will be another task the council will need to tackle.
District 1: The Horseshoe Mentor
Current Council Member Chad West, who has been keeping a close eye on housing and development issues, seemed poised to beat out challengers Katrina Whatley and Jason Vanhof to retain his seat overseeing Oak Cliff[1].
District 2: Victory Rivercross
Just over the Trinity River, incumbent District 2 Council Member Jessie Moreno boasted a hefty lead over newcomer Sukbir Kaur, handily securing a second term to represent parts of the central business district and Deep Ellum[1].
District 3: Three-peat for Zarin Gracey
Zarin Gracey, the fresh face in District 3, appeared set to hold on to his seat with 1,589 votes tallied during unofficial Saturday night returns[1].
District 4: A Fresh Start for Dallas ISD
In the race to replace Carolyn King Arnold in District 4, Dallas ISD Trustee Maxie Johnson triumphed over Kebran Alexander and Avis Hardaman, who both struggled to crack triple digits in votes[1].
District 5: The Infrastructure Whisperer
In southeast Dallas, incumbent Council Member Jaime Resendez was the clear leader on election night, concentrating mainly on infrastructure updates for District 5 and weighing in on issues surrounding Dallas' immigrant population[1].
District 6: West Dallas War
The race in West Dallas was a tight rumble between current chief of staff to outgoing council member Omar Narvaez, Laura Cadena, and Monica Alonzo. With Saturday's unofficial tally showing Cadena just above the 50% margin, the outcome - and the possibility of a runoff - remains uncertain[1].
District 7: Defending the Blue
Incumbent Adam Bazaldua appeared to have the votes on election night to keep his seat despite being the target of an opposition campaign and failing to secure major endorsements[1].
District 8: Mayor Pro Tem on a Mission
Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins was term-limited out of District 8, and it seemed likely that his seat would go to Erik Wilson following a tight race against former City Plan Commissioner Lorie Blair[1]. With votes still being counted, the race could head to a runoff.
District 9: A Solid Victory
Incumbent Paula Blackmon took more than 3,000 of the 3,973 votes tallied to win reelection in District 9[1].
District 11: Two Heads Battle for the Title
In District 11, Jaynie Schulz decided not to run for reelection, leaving a four-way race between Bill Roth, Jeff Kitner, Juan Lozano, and Leigh Bailey. With neither candidate obtaining more than 50% of the vote, the race will head to a runoff[1].
This article was last modified on May 7, 2025. Got a tip? Email Graham Gridal at [email protected] .
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[1] KERA News. (2025). Dallas Elections 2025: Most Incumbents Win, But Six Races Will Go to Runoffs. Retrieved May 7, 2025, from https://www.kera.org/news/dallas-elections-2025-most-incumbents-win-but-six-races-will-go-to-runoffs
[2] Texas Tribune. (2024). Dallas voters say yes to waiving city's governmental immunity – but will it hold up in court? Retrieved May 7, 2025, from https://www.texastribune.org/2024/11/09/dallas-governmental-immunity-election-2024/
The newly elected council will have to address the contentious charter amendments passed last year, backed by a conservative political group, which may demand significant attention. A pressing issue for the council will be collaborating effectively with two new public safety officials to increase the number of sworn police officers and decrease response times across the city. Public safety and improving community trust will be key concerns for the council as they settle into their roles. The south of the Trinity River area, predominantly Black and Latino, has historically been overlooked by 1500 Marilla St., and the new council members will need to address this oversight.
