Who wants to be Dallas' next mayor? The scramble to succeed Eric Johnson

A downtown facing mounting challenges, a major sports franchise skating to a northern suburb, a City Hall in disrepair and a governance system that leaves the mayor with limited power to hammer out solutions.

Yet interest in succeeding Eric Johnson as mayor already has produced a long list of potential contenders, even though the election remains more than a year away.

The early lineup includes a former school superintendent, prominent developers, council members and a television-advertising lawyer. The jockeying comes as Johnson approaches the end of his second and final term.

There also are rumblings about asking voters to give the mayor more authority in Dallas' council-manager government. The idea has gained little traction in the past, but it could make the job more attractive if approved before the next election.

The municipal races are nonpartisan, allowing candidates from across the spectrum to compete on the same ballot. For now, attention has centered on a diverse group of Dallas leaders.

As civic dynamics continue to shift, some will run, others will opt out and new names will emerge. Here's the latest look:

Community leaders Michael Hinojosa

The former DISD superintendent considered challenging Johnson in 2023 but stayed out. Now, he is expected to formally announce his candidacy in the coming weeks. Hinojosa had two stints leading Dallas schools and is credited with helping lead the district's academic turnaround.

Lynn McBee

The businesswoman and civic leader is known for her extensive involvement with Dallas nonprofits, workforce development efforts and community organizations. She finished third in the 2019 mayoral race that Johnson won. In 2022, Johnson appointed her workforce development czar.

Richie Butler

The senior pastor at St. Luke United Methodist Church and founder of Project Unity has become a prominent civic voice on race relations and community issues. Before entering ministry, Butler spent more than two decades in real estate investment and development and was active in Democratic politics.

The developers Mike Ablon

He finished fourth in the 2019 mayoral contest. He is known for his role in redeveloping the Design District and leading efforts tied to the Trinity River park project.

Peter Brodsky

Brodsky is a developer and philanthropist whose work includes the redevelopment of The Shops at RedBird in southern Dallas and leadership roles focused on homelessness and affordable housing.

Ray Washburne

The developer and investor, whose company owns and manages Highland Park Village, has become one of the most prominent voices in supporting the relocation of City Hall and revamping that downtown site.

Dupree Scovell

The developer and real estate investor is a managing partner at Woodbine Development, a prominent real estate firm. He has been involved with a number of nonprofit and education initiatives and is the son of Woodbine co-founder John Scovell.

The lawyer Ben Abbott

The personal injury lawyer is one of Dallas' most recognizable attorneys, thanks to television commercials built around the slogan, "Hello, Ben." Abbott has spent the past year considering a run for mayor.

Council-related Chad West

As chair of the City Council's Finance Committee, West has emerged as a key player in some of Dallas' biggest debates, including the future of City Hall. He also represents North Oak Cliff, a district that has produced several mayoral candidates over the years.

Tennell Atkins

Atkins served 16 years on the City Council over different stretches representing southern Dallas and frequently pushed for economic development and infrastructure investments in the southern sector. The former SMU football and track star remains a fixture in local politics.

Gay Donnell Willis

She is in her third term representing northwest Dallas' District 13 and serves as deputy mayor pro tem. She has played a visible role in debates over housing, city services and the future of City Hall.

Paula Blackmon

She is a veteran council member representing East Dallas' District 9 and was chief of staff for former Mayor Mike Rawlings.

Adam Bazaldua

Bazaldua has represented South Dallas and Fair Park since 2019 and emerged as a leading critic of the push to relocate City Hall. He's been mentioned as a possible congressional candidate, though he may instead pursue a seat on the Dallas County Commissioners Court in 2028.

Mentioned but unlikely U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett

The chatter started after Crockett lost the Senate primary to Democrat James Talarico. Crockett has other plans, which include writing a book, hitting the speaking circuit and perhaps launching a podcast and television show.

State Rep. Rafael Anchia

His supporters have been trying to get the veteran legislator and lawyer to run for years. It's unlikely that Anchia takes the plunge, though he would be an instant frontrunner.

Former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred

Some Dallas Democrats have long viewed Allred as a potential mayoral candidate. But he's now seeking a return to Congress after winning the Democratic nomination for a newly redrawn Dallas-area seat.

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 10:09 PM.