DALLAS — The City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved the appointment of Jesse D. Oliver, who formerly served as a state district judge and as a member of the Texas House of Representatives, to chair the city’s Redistricting Commission.
Mayor Eric Johnson nominated Judge Oliver earlier this month to lead the Commission, which will use newly available 2020 U.S. Census data to recommend new political boundaries for the 14 Dallas City Council districts. As prescribed by the City Charter, the Redistricting Commission will recommend the new map to the mayor, who will present it to the City Council. The map, which requires approval from three-fourths of the City Council, would go into effect during the next City Council election cycle, which is slated for May 2023.
Judge Oliver served in the Texas House from 1983-1986 and was recognized by Texas Monthly as one of the best legislators in 1985. His distinguished career also includes stints as an attorney in private practice, a judge in the 95th Judicial District Court in Dallas County, the general counsel for the Texas Department of Agriculture, an Executive Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas, Chairman of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors, and Deputy Executive Director of DART.
Judge Oliver has received numerous community awards and honors and has served on dozens of civic boards. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Dallas Baptist University and his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He currently lives in Oak Cliff.
“Judge Oliver has served our city and our state with distinction,” Mayor Johnson said. “His incredible range of experience in community leadership roles and legislative bodies will serve the Redistricting Commission well. He is the right man for this difficult job, and I trust that he will ensure that all of our residents are represented fairly in their local government.”
“I am grateful to Mayor Johnson for asking me to chair the Redistricting Commission, and I thank the City Council for placing its trust in me,” Judge Oliver said. “Fair representation is critical to our democracy, and I take this responsibility incredibly seriously. Working together, the Redistricting Commission will deliver a map that empowers all of our residents.”
