AUSTIN, Texas — When longtime Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, announced her retirement last year, a long list of Democratic candidates began vying for the safe Blue seat. Ultimately, no one cleared the needed 50% threshold, and the race now heads to a runoff. 

Johnson endorsed freshman state representative Jasmine Crockett, while other Dallas leaders endorsed Jane Hope Hamilton, a former Congressional staffer. Crockett received about 48% of the vote, while Hamilton came in second at 17%.

“There were nine of us in that race,” said Hamilton during an interview on Capital Tonight. “And interestingly enough, my opponent had $2.3 million and the endorsement of a 30-year incumbent, and she couldn’t get it across the line. Now that’s down to just two of us, I get to educate the voters, talk about my record of service.”   

Hamilton previously worked for Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Dallas, as his chief of staff. Veasey, as well as other Dallas-area leaders like State Senator Royce West and former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, have endorsed Hamilton. 

“I have been the person behind the person. I am the person in this race who has worked in Congress,” she said. “I am rooted in the community, and I have been fighting for North Texas for over 20 years.” 

If elected, Hamilton has a long list of goals to improve the lives of the people in the district. 

“We need economic opportunities in our communities. We need affordable health care. And we must, absolutely must, deliver on voting rights.”

The race for the Republican nomination is also headed to runoff, with James Rodgers facing James Harris. The primary runoffs will be held May 24.