A local voter guide listing became a public flashpoint in Arlington’s mayoral race after Mayor Jim Ross publicly objected to being included in True Texas Project’s recommendations alongside challenger Steve Cavender.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Arlington voters are already casting ballots in a crowded election that includes Ross and several challengers.
Early voting for the May 2 election began April 20 and continues through April 28.
Ross addressed the issue in a Facebook post after learning his name had been included in the group’s voter guide.
“I want to be very clear: the values of this organization do not align with my commitment to equity and inclusion for all Arlington residents,” Ross wrote.
Ross said he contacted True Texas Project directly and demanded that his name be removed.
“To that end, I have reached out to the True Texas Project and demanded that my name be removed from their list of endorsed candidates,” Ross wrote. “I am committed to serving Arlington with the values we share, values that embrace diversity and promote unity.”
True Texas Project Pushes Back
Julie White McCarty, CEO of True Texas Project, responded in a public Facebook post and included a screenshot showing the group’s guide had previously listed “Jim Ross or Steve Cavender” in the Arlington mayoral race.
McCarty said the guide was not an endorsement and pushed back on Ross’ demand.
“Yes, we received his ‘demand,’” McCarty wrote. “I guess he thinks his power as Mayor spills into the entire internet? We will not be removing it. Also, it’s not an endorsement.”
True Texas Project’s website distinguishes between recommendations and endorsements. In an FAQ, the group says its recommendations are “a starting point for your own research” and that only candidates unanimously backed by its leadership teams are marked as endorsements.
As of April 28, the True Texas Project voter guide for Tarrant County listed Cavender alone for Arlington mayor.
In an update to the post, McCarty said the change was based on new information about Cavender, not Ross’ demand.
“After I played with Jim a bit and let him lose his cool publicly a few times, I did go ahead and change it, not for him but because I got more info on Cavender,” McCarty wrote. “I’m not sure why our source had listed both when Cavender is clearly the better choice.”
Cavender, a veteran and business owner, is among the candidates challenging Ross.
“As a business owner, I’ve seen how innovation, hard work, and collaboration create opportunity in Arlington. As a homeowner, I value financial stability and responsible stewardship. I believe in leadership that listens, acts wisely, and puts people first,” Cavender states on his campaign website.
Ross is seeking a third and final term as Arlington mayor.
“As I seek a third and final term, I do so with deep gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in me and a renewed commitment to keep Arlington moving forward,” Ross states on his campaign website.
Ross has faced scrutiny during the campaign. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, public records showed the IRS garnished his wages to collect more than $174,000 in unpaid federal taxes.
The Dallas Express also reported that a resurfaced video showed Ross using explicit and offensive language during an encounter with a Christian street preacher at a 2018 event in New Orleans.
The Dallas Express reached out to Ross and Cavender for comment but did not receive a response.
