Starting Jan. 20, Republicans will play a trifecta in the nation’s capital. After being re-elected for a third term, Sen. Ted Cruz talks about the major priorities he will tackle first. Congressman-elect Brandon Gill, who represents North Texas’ 26th Congressional District, talks about how he will help pass President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda. Additionally, for the first time since Dallas’ controversial charter amendment passed, Mayor Eric Johnson is speaking out about the outcome. He also responded to a question about whether he had discussed working for the Trump administration. Jack Fink covers these stories in the latest episode of Eye On Politics. (Original air date: December 8, 2024)
Looking to the future
On Tuesday, Sen. Ted Cruz spoke with political reporter Jack Fink about the most pressing priorities he hopes voters will address Republicans in the new Congress starting next month. These include border security, deporting violent criminals in the United States, lowering prices, and stimulating the economy.
“We have a real obligation to deliver on our campaign promises,” Cruz said. “And if you look at the election, there are a lot of things that came out of the election that I think are a real mission and a mission for change.”
Watch Jack’s full interview with Senator Ted Cruz.
One-on-one with the youngest Republican in the next Congress
At 30 years old, Brandon Gill will be the youngest Republican in the next Congress. He will represent North Texas’ 26th Congressional District. He was also elected freshman class president.
Gill said he and his fellow freshman Republicans worked on President Trump’s policies to secure the border, free up America’s energy and cut wasteful federal spending to control inflation. He told Jack what he wanted to accomplish as the next president of the House of Representatives.
“I said I want to do everything I can to make sure we’re all in the best position to carry out President Trump’s policies,” Gill said.
Check out Jack’s full interview with Congressman-elect Brandon Gill.
Dallas Mayor Discusses Controversial Charter Amendment
Jack also spoke Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson In an exclusive interview on Tuesday.
He spoke about the controversial charter election and his recommendation to residents to reject all proposals. He called for two measures as part of this. Dallas Hero Initiative It passed “feasible”.
“The reality is I’m not too worried,” Johnson said.
He downplayed concerns from opponents, including former mayors, that Proposition U would harm the city’s finances and services by requiring the city to hire and retain 4,000 police officers. City leaders and advocates estimate the measure would cost between $175 million and $185 million.
“It’s not going to destroy the city of Dallas,” Johnson said. “It’s not going to ruin us financially. It does force us to spend money on keeping our mouths shut about public safety, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing.”
He was referring to Prop. S, which would allow residents to sue cities if they don’t comply with the city’s charter, city ordinances and state law. He expressed concern about what he called “enforcement by litigation.”
“We don’t want to be tied up in a court of law where we’re always paying attorneys’ fees to litigate cases to do what we’re going to do anyway. So that’s why I think I’m concerned about props. This is a potential lawsuit bonanza.”
The mayor said his recommendation to Dallas residents is to reject all charter amendments, not just specific proposals. “If none of that passes, I got a legal opinion from the city attorney and said we have to do an immediate redo, an immediate redo. That’s what I wanted. I could go right back.” And we come up with some well-thought-out Charter amendments that more effectively accomplish what proposers S, T, and U wanted to do. ”
Former Republican Congressman Scott Turner, one of the mayor’s friends from his time in the Texas state legislature, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to be HUD secretary. Jack asked the mayor if he had any discussions about joining the Trump administration.
“I love my city, and I have never been more honored in my life to be elected its mayor,” Johnson said. “I think a lot depends on whether I’m willing to serve my country, but my focus is to be the mayor of Dallas.”
The Dallas mayor said he told Turner that HUD wants Dallas to be on the front lines to help the city. Johnson delivered his word. state address Thursday. He said he hopes to see the city’s progress toward reducing violent crime and lowering property taxes continue.
Watch Jack’s full interview with Dallas Mayor Eric Jawson.
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