Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, a Democrat-turned-Republican, is positioning his city as a refuge from progressive governance, drawing a sharp contrast with New York City and warning that socialist policies there are driving away businesses and undermining public safety.
During an appearance on Fox News, Johnson declared that his city is a “sanctuary from socialism.”
“It appears to be that New York wants to be the heartbeat of socialism in the United States,” Johnson said Sunday.
“That appears to be the direction it’s going.”
“But down here in Dallas, I can tell you, we embrace business, we embrace capitalism, we embrace corporations who employ folks and who are actually pillars of our communities,” he added.
Johnson formally switched parties in 2023.
At the time, he declared that “America’s cities need Republicans.”
Johnson committed to fiscal conservatism and law-and-order principles in a Wall Street Journal op-ed announcing the move.
Financial Firms Look West
Appearing Sunday with Fox News host Brian Kilmeade, Johnson said Dallas was already emerging as a financial services hub before the election of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a far-left progressive.
However, he confirmed that interest from New York-based firms has surged since Mamdani’s election.
“I’m already getting phone calls,” Johnson said.
“We’re already having more conversations than we’ve ever had before—more interest in moving to Dallas by New York-based financial firms.
“The answer is there is a flood and an avalanche of interest in being where I think people who do this for a living—folks in the financial services industry—understand that the future of capitalism in this country is moving west,” he added.
Law-and-Order Emphasis
Johnson credited Dallas’s refusal to adopt sanctuary city policies as a key factor in attracting businesses and workers seeking stability and growth.
“We support law enforcement here in Dallas,” he said.
“We support law and order.
“I don’t think you can have a city if you don’t have safety.”
“I don’t understand the impulse some of these Democrat mayors have to embrace lawlessness,” Johnson added.
WATCH:
As progressive-led cities double down on policies critics say deter investment and weaken public safety, Johnson is betting that Dallas’ pro-business posture, and clear contrast with New York, will continue to draw companies and talent westward.
READ MORE – Mamdani Launches Plan to Begin Confiscating Private Property
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