Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, the county’s chief executive and the only local official authorized to declare a disaster, traveled out of state on the eve of a winter storm forecast to bring freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions to North Texas, according to reporting by FOX 4.
A photograph published Friday shows Jenkins and his family boarding a flight departing Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport. The flight was reported to be bound for Costa Rica.
The travel occurred as forecasts warned of sub-freezing temperatures, ice, and potential disruptions across the Dallas–Fort Worth region.
Jenkins Previously Criticized Officials for Leaving During Storms
During Texas’ February 2021 winter storm — which left millions without power, water, or heat and was later blamed for hundreds of deaths statewide — Jenkins publicly criticized elected officials who left Texas amid the crisis.
“We need to be here, we need to be in the battle, we need to be helping Texans,” Jenkins told MSNBC on February 19, 2021, when asked about Ted Cruz traveling out of the country during that storm.
The remarks were reported at the time by Reuters.
County Judge Serves as Chief Emergency Authority
Under Texas Government Code § 418.108, the county judge is the presiding officer for county-level emergency management and is the only local official authorized to declare a state of disaster. A disaster declaration activates county emergency management plans and grants authority over evacuations, access controls, and other emergency measures across the county.
Those powers are designed to be exercised when conditions are uncertain and the potential severity of a weather event cannot be known in advance.
Jenkins’ Office Says Trip Was Pre-Planned
In a statement, a representative for Clay Jenkins said the trip had been scheduled months in advance and that he would continue to receive updates on developing weather conditions in North Texas.
“The County’s full focus is on keeping people safe and services running,” Jenkins’ Chief of Staff Lauren Trimble told FOX 4. “The Judge prepared in advance, ensuring emergency operations and coordination were in place during his travel.”
