WASHINGTON – House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other top Democratic leaders on Friday endorsed Rep. Julie Johnson’s bid for reelection in Dallas’ newly drawn 33rd Congressional District, throwing the party’s weight behind her over former Rep. Colin Allred.
The announcement highlights an early push to rally party resources around Johnson as the March primary approaches.
“Julie Johnson is a trusted member of our caucus who delivers results,” the leaders said in a joint statement. “She has been an active legislator, advancing bills that focus on lowering costs, protecting health care, and strengthening the economy for working families. She shows up prepared, works across the caucus, and puts her constituents first.”
Democratic Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar of California also signed onto the endorsement with New York’s Jeffries.
Political Points
Johnson of Farmers Branch has lined up support from groups such as the center-left New Democrat Coalition and has said the endorsements show colleagues who have served with her and Allred believe she should be reelected.
Allred of Dallas has said he’s better positioned to represent the newly reconfigured district that is majority-minority.
He served three terms in District 32 before running against and losing to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, last year.
Johnson was elected last year as Allred’s successor, before Republicans in the Legislature stretched District 32 far into East Texas, making it more GOP friendly.
That change prompted Johnson to run in District 33.