Early voting begins in runoff election to replace Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson in Texas House

Early voting began Tuesday in the special election to replace Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson in the Texas House.

Residents in District 100, which covers parts of east, west and southern Dallas, can cast early ballots through Friday for community advocate Lorraine Birabil or businessman James Armstrong III. The special election is Jan. 28.

Like most special elections, there’s been little public drama and turnout is expected to be dismal.

But on Tuesday the candidates sparred over what type of experience is needed to lead the heavily Democratic district.

Armstrong is the president and CEO of Builders of Hope Community Development Corporation, which develops single-family homes.

“It’s a choice between a servant leader who has worked his entire life on issues of economic equality or a political staffer,” Armstrong said. “The district needs a champion in Austin that’s willing to put in the work.”

He added that Birabil was “cut from the same cloth” as other elected officials in the area and that voters wanted something different.

Birabil worked for U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey and led the field operations for numerous political campaigns.

She said her qualifications exceeded those of Armstrong.

“James’ comment speaks to the cynical nature of politics today,” Birabil said. “He should be ashamed of himself for insulting public servants who work hard to improve the lives of their fellow Texans. I’m proud of my public service experience, which has prepared me far better than anyone in this race to represent our district.”

Birabil finished first in November’s first round. She’s been endorsed by much of the county’s political establishment, including U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey of Fort Worth, former U.S Rep. Beto O’Rourke of El Paso, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins and Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price.

“We feel good about it,” Birabil said Tuesday. “We just have to keep working.”

Armstrong acknowledged during the first round that he’s not the candidate of the political class. On Tuesday he said he’s running a community-based campaign that stressed his record of service to the area.

“We have continued with our message, which is equal opportunity for all,” Armstrong said.

Johnson represented the district for 10 years before leaving the post in June after being elected Dallas mayor.

He has not endorsed a candidate in the race.

The winner of the contest will fill the remainder of Johnson’s term, which ends after this year.

The winner of this contest, and perhaps the loser, will contend in the March primary for the District 100 term that begins in 2021.