The city council unanimously approved Judge Jesse D. Oliver to serve as chair of Dallas’ Redistricting Commission.
“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 Jesse D. 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.”
Oliver formerly served as a state district judge and was a member of the Texas House of Representatives.
Mayor Eric Johnson nominated Oliver to lead the Commission, which will use 2020 U.S. Census data to draw new political boundaries for the 14 Dallas City Council districts.
Once the new map is drawn, it will be presented to the council. A three-fourths vote by the city council will enact the new boundaries for the next city council election cycle, which is May 2023.
“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.”
Oliver served in the Texas House from 1983-1986 and was recognized by Texas Monthly as one of the best legislators in 1985.
His career also includes being a private practice attorney, 95th Judicial District Court Judge in Dallas County, 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.
Oliver currently resides in Oak Cliff.
