Lupe Valdez, the former Dallas County Sheriff, announced earlier this week at a press conference that she has filed to run for her old post.
Valdez hosted a press conference at Dallas County Democratic Headquarters and officially filed the paperwork to run against Sheriff Marian Brown.
“I have had numerous calls from former colleagues and friends asking me if I would consider running again for Sheriff,” said Valdez in a statement, per WFAA.
“I am honored with their encouragement and look forward to a lively campaign. There is still so much work to do in Dallas County, and as I have told my supporters and campaign team, I am not done yet,” she said.
A press release issued by Valdez claimed that she “will bring a future where progress, compassion, and meaningful change define our county’s approach to justice.”
“With an unyielding commitment, Valdez vows to build on these accomplishments and continue addressing these pressing issues when elected. By striving for cultural transformation, she aims to ensure that every individual touched by the criminal justice system is treated with unwavering respect and dignity,” the press release reads, per the Dallas Voice.
While answering questions at the press conference, Valdez discussed some of the issues she would tackle if re-elected, including the overcrowding situation at Dallas County jail and late payroll discrepancies, per WBAP.
Valdez previously served as the Dallas County sheriff for 12 years before resigning in 2017 to run for governor.
Although she lost to current Gov. Greg Abbott in 2018, Valdez said that it was a “wonderful experience” that she will “continue to learn from,” according to NBC 5 DFW.
Valdez will be competing against Rodney Thomas and Brown, the latter of whom she endorsed following her resignation and bid for governor.
Brown has been serving as sheriff since Valdez resigned in 2017.
“We’ve brought the department up to speed in many areas that we lagged behind. And as the second largest county agency in the state, we should be at the forefront. So, we have progressed toward that. So, yeah, I do believe that I have done the work,” said Brown in August when discussing why she should keep her current post, per NBC 5.
The Democratic primary election for sheriff will be held on March 5, 2024, with any necessary runoffs scheduled to take place on May 28, per WFAA.
