Givens resigned from the bench in December to take on Creuzot, seeking a third term in office.
By Jane Harper
Senior courts reporter
Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer
Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot conceded Wednesday in the Democratic primary to former felony court judge Amber Givens, a shocking upset for the two-term chief prosecutor.
In a statement, Creuzot thanked supporters, voters and his family, and congratulated Givens on her victory.
“While the outcome was not what we had hoped for, I am proud of the work my team accomplished and the important conversations we advanced about justice, accountability, and public safety in Dallas County,” he said.
Givens, who resigned from the 282nd District Court in December to challenge Creuzot, had been widely viewed as the underdog in the race.
Creuzot raised far more campaign money, collecting about $420,000 in contributions compared with roughly $20,000 for Givens. And he had the backing of Democrats locally and across the state.
Givens also faced scrutiny last year after the State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued two sanctions, which she is appealing.A trial on the charges was held last week before a Special Court of Review at the state Supreme Court, but it could be several weeks before the three-judge panel issues a decision.
As of early Wednesday afternoon, Givens had not yet released a statement on her win and didn’t immediately respond to a message from The Dallas Morning News seeking comment.
Creuzot, a retired judge, campaigned on his record and highlighted changes he said reshaped the office.
In his statement, he said the primary provided an opportunity to engage residents and highlight issues affecting the criminal justice system.
“This is not the end of our work,” he said. “I remain committed to serving the people of Dallas County and ensuring justice, fairness, and accountability remain at the forefront of our community. I am grateful for the support and engagement of so many residents who made their voices heard at the polls.”
Creuzot also congratulated Givens as she prepares to take over the office. No Republican filed in the primary.
“Our democracy works best when we all participate,” he said. “I congratulate my opponent and wish her well as she takes on this important role in Dallas County.”
Creuzot thanked staff members at the district attorney’s office and pointed to changes he said would endure beyond his tenure.
“Leadership matters, and while elections can change leaders, they do not erase legacy,” he said.
County clerk
Democrat Ann Cruz, a county employee, had pulled ahead of Damarcus Offord in the Dallas County clerk primary but neither had a majority in the three-candidate race, meaning the top two finishers would advance to a runoff.
Offord had been endorsed by longtime incumbent John Warren. Behind him in third place was Tony Grimes, a former Irving ISD trustee.
Dallas County Clerk (Democrat)
One winner
| CANDIDATE | VOTES | PCT |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Marie Cruz | 106,592 | 43.4% |
| Damarcus L. Offord | 96,299 | 39.2% |
| Tony Grimes | 42,988 | 17.5% |
Warren announced in December he would not seek a sixth term and endorsed Offord the same day, helping the DART senior manager lock up backing from dozens of local elected officials.
Offord rejected suggestions of special treatment, saying he has built support through years of work in the community and government.
The Democratic nominee will face Republican Skye Garcia in November to run the office, which is responsible for maintaining more than 1 billion county records from misdemeanor, probate and civil courts to vital statistics and Commissioners Court filings
County commissioner
Republican Barry Wernick defeated Blake Clemens in the primary to challenge County Commissioner Andrew Sommerman for the District 2 seat in northern Dallas County.Sommerman, seeking a second term on the county’s administrative governing court, had no opponent.
Dallas County Commissioner, Precinct 2 (Republican)
One winner
| CANDIDATE | VOTES | PCT |
|---|---|---|
| Barry Wernick | 19,322 | 57.4% |
| Blake W. Clemens | 14,339 | 42.6% |
Wernick, an attorney, describes himself as a “real conservative” who backs limiting government, cutting taxes and restoring trust in elections.
Clemens is a former Addison Town Council member who specializes in government affairs, political consulting and economic development.
Jane Harper is the senior courts reporter for The Dallas Morning News. A native of Port Arthur, she earned her journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin and has covered the courts beat at newspapers in Texas, Maryland and Virginia. In 2021, she was named Outstanding Journalist of the Year by The Virginia Press Association.
This story, originally published in The Dallas Morning News, is reprinted as part of a collaborative partnership between The Dallas Morning News and Texas Metro News. The partnership seeks to boost coverage of Dallas’ communities of color, particularly in southern Dallas.
