On May 4, 2024, a Democrat and a Republican will square off in a “nonpartisan” race for Dallas College Trustee, District 1. Although the race is nonpartisan, Dallas has become no stranger to the politicization of these contests (see our mayor). The incumbent, Catalina Garcia, is a Democrat. Challenging her is Edwin Flores, a current Dallas ISD trustee and former Republican candidate for Dallas County judge.
I’m a Democrat. I will be voting for Edwin Flores. I hope other Democrats and my supporters will consider joining me in my vote.
Last month, I earned the Democratic nomination for the 24th Congressional District, which overlaps much of Dallas College Trustee District 1. My district spans the Park Cities, Preston Hollow, North Dallas, Lake Highlands, Farmers Branch, Coppell and Grapevine and finally weaves its way to Southlake. I won the Democratic primary with a simple message: work hard, serve your constituents, and vote with common sense.
Edwin Flores is a Republican who is serious about governing. Most of all, he wants to get things done for North Texas students and families. I might have small disagreements with him on some policies, but I respect him because he is committed to serving our region, our state and our country. He will be a strong leader for Dallas College, which is the second largest community college in Texas.
I know Flores well. He was my Dallas ISD trustee when I was principal of North Lake Early College High School. Last May, we sat on stage together when 98% of my students graduated with an associate degree, 60-plus college credits from Dallas College and a high school diploma. My former school is one of 26 innovative P-TECH and Early College High Schools in Dallas ISD. As a trustee, Flores brought these 26 schools and other college and workforce development programs to Dallas ISD. As a result, over the last decade, he has transformed Dallas ISD into the premier urban school district in Texas.
Flores has a Ph.D. in molecular biology and is a practicing patent attorney with a degree from the University of Texas School of Law. He has a brilliant mind for public policy. He is also laser focused on improving educational outcomes for students and retooling education systems to be efficient engines of economic growth. His track record in Dallas ISD is clear. As one of his former principals, I can attest to his impact and success.
If Democrats want to win campaigns against extremist political candidates, we must back up our words and vote with substance, integrity and facts. This means that we should vote and support some Republicans too.
Some Democrats will no doubt be upset by my decision to support a Republican in a local Dallas County race. My message to them? Get used to it. My goal in public service is to work with individuals first, parties second on behalf of North Texas.
Sam Eppler is the Democratic nominee for the 24th Congressional District.
We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and submit your letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can submit via email at letters@dallasnews.com
