Republican Manny Ramirez, Democrat Cedric Kanyinda advance in Precinct 4 Tarrant commissioner race
Manny Ramirez clinched the Republican nomination for Precinct 4 county commissioner, besting rival Jody Johnson, son of longtime commissioner J.D. Johnson.
Ramirez, president of the Fort Worth Police Officers Association, narrowly avoided a runoff in the primary, getting 50.29% of the vote. Johnson got 36.36%, and third candidate Larry Dale Carpenter Jr. received 13.35%.
Johnson, son of commissioner JD, worked at the Fort Worth Police Department for 30 years before becoming constable in Precinct 4. Self-described entrepreneur Carpenter taught English abroad and helped rebuild community in New Zealand after an earthquake.
All three candidates championed lessening the local tax burden and emphasizing funding for law enforcement.
“I think the voters of Tarrant County are really hungry for someone who can come in and provide a different perspective and really operate an efficient government and prioritize public safety at the same time,” Ramirez said Wednesday morning.
Due to equipment failures, unofficial results from election day voting were not released until 4 a.m. Wednesday.
Ramirez said he was grateful the integrity of the election was protected, but, as commissioner, he would focus on improving the system so it is “above reproach.”
“I am very disappointed in how it rolled out,” he said. “Machines are fallible. Nothing is perfect, but our elections department has one job, and that’s to run efficient and transparent and secure elections. And so I think we need to take a really hard look at our processes.”
The Precinct 4 commissioner seat is currently occupied by Johnson’s father, who represented represented northwest Tarrant County on the court since 1987. J.D. Johnson announced his intention to retire in June 2021.
“The Tarrant County voters have spoken,” said Ramirez. “They are ready for young, energetic, educated, dedicated and experienced leadership. They’re ready to turn the page and really bring our county into the 21st century.”
Ramirez will face sole Democratic candidate Cedric Kanyinda.
This story was originally published March 1, 2022 at 7:11 PM with the headline "Republican Manny Ramirez, Democrat Cedric Kanyinda advance in Precinct 4 Tarrant commissioner race."
