Tristan Hallman, the chief of staff for Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, has publicly confirmed his resignation after serving the in the mayor’s office for nearly four years.
In his resignation letter on February 23, obtained by The Dallas Express, Hallman told Mayor Johnson, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve in your administration, and it was a privilege to help you communicate and implement your agenda for the people of Dallas.”
“Over the last three-and-a-half years, we have worked together through a series of immense and unprecedented challenges,” Hallman continued. “You have tackled difficult issues, taken courageous stands, and articulated a bold vision for the future of this city.”
“It should be no surprise that you are the first person to run unopposed for mayor in this city since 1967,” he added. “You have earned it because you have earned the trust of the people of Dallas.”
“Thank you again for this incredible opportunity – and for being the mayor that Dallas needed,” Hallman concluded.
The news did not become public until March 3, when Mayor Johnson sent a memorandum to the City Council. Johnson explained that Hallman “last week informed me that he is resigning as Chief of Staff to pursue another opportunity out of state.”
“Mr. Hallman joined the Office of Mayor in August 2019 as Chief of Policy & Communications and later became Chief of Staff … His final day with the City of Dallas will be Friday, March 17,” the memo noted.
Johnson said, “I have greatly appreciated Mr. Hallman’s work and service to our city. I hope you will join me in wishing him well in his next endeavor.”
While the mayor searches for a new chief of staff, another long-time staffer, Alheli Garza, will execute the responsibilities in the interim.
Other City officials offered their congratulations and well-wishes.
Council Member Omar Narvaez (District 6) tweeted, “Thanks for your service and best of luck in your next journey.”
Sana Syed, who previously worked for the City and ran for City Council in 2021, wrote, “You’re the best of the best, Tristan. Thank you for everything you did for our city.”
Some have suggested that Hallman’s resignation was in some way connected to a dispute on Twitter that occurred after a journalist referred to Mayor Johnson in an unprofessional way, leading to that person’s termination.
Hallman has shut down the rumor, however, simply responding, “No.”