Dallas mayor explains why he switched political parties, reveals Trumps gift to GOP

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson spent over a decade in office as a Democrat before making a significant political shift.Just over a year ago, he announced his decision to join the Republican Party.Johnson wrote in a Fox News op-ed that his switch should have been a wake-up call for Democrats ahead of the 2024 election.“It turns out I was kind of a canary in the coal mine, right? I didn’t think I was going to be some anomaly that everyone needed to worry about,” Johnson told “Fox & Friends” co-host Lawrence Jones, Wednesday. “I thought I was going to be a harbinger of things to come.And it turns out, that was exactly right.” Dallas is a predominantly blue area, voting for President Joe Biden in 2020 by over half.

With Johnson’s change, Dallas became the largest U.S.city led by a Republican mayor. He joined Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker as one of only two Republican mayors leading a major Texas city.

Johnson attributes this to a broader realignment in cultural dynamics across the country, a change he credits to President-elect Trump.“Donald Trump has given the Republican Party a gift,” Johnson explained.“He has caused parts of the Democratic coalition, that people thought would never, ever consider voting Republican, to do exactly that.”One of the key factors behind Trump’s resounding victory in 2024 was his surge in support from minority groups, particularly Hispanic voters.

In Texas, Republicans experienced a 28% increase in Latino support compared to the 2020 election.Trump also made inroads with Black voters and young voters, significantly narrowing traditional Democratic advantages.“I think now is an opportunity for the Republican Party to double down on his message,” said Johnson, describing Trump’s focus as one aimed at revitalizing U.S.cities.“An agenda for urban America.

That is what these groups are hoping that’s going to happen now,” Johnson explained.  Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, phot...