Texas Republicans, meanwhile, welcomed Johnson into their ranks. Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted that Johnson’s switch is a sign that “Texas is getting more Red every day.”

Texas is getting more Red every day.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson switches to Republican Party.

He’s pro law enforcement & won’t tolerate leftist agendas.

Two of the 10 largest cities in America now have Republican Mayors & they are both in Texas. https://t.co/Qn9SM7UZ1G

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 22, 2023

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, meanwhile, simply tweeted “Welcome, Mayor!” in response to the news.

Welcome, Mayor! https://t.co/viawLP99qs

— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) September 22, 2023

This new support comes in addition to the support previously shown by Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, who attended Johnson’s inauguration in June at the mayor’s request.

With Texas as a key battleground state reflecting the nation’s deep political divides, Johnson’s party change will likely fuel even more heated competition between Democrats and Republicans in the Lone Star State. Between local elections in major cities like Dallas and national races, including the 2024 presidential election, Texas will remain a key state in the contest between the two major parties for years to come.

Eric Johnson

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