Star-Telegram endorsement: Which Democrat can replace Crockett in Congress?
The next representative in the 30th Congressional District has two tough acts to follow. Rep. Jasmine Crockett built a national profile in just two terms in office. Her predecessor, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, was a Texas political trailblazer and a legislative force.
Democrats’ best choice to carry the legacy is Frederick D. Haynes III. One of three candidates in the district, which encompasses southeastern Tarrant County and most of southern Dallas County, Haynes is nationally known as the senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas.
The 65-year-old is an unabashed progressive, and though we disagree with him on some issues, his prominence and connections would help a district with significant needs maintain clout. He is a compelling speaker who could command more attention than a typical House freshman.
Haynes told us in our interview with the candidates that he’s familiar with issues in the Tarrant County portion of the district from involvement in causes here, especially justice-related protests. He was strident on health care, supporting a single-payer system, and advocated for a complete overhaul of ICE and immigration enforcement.
The other two candidates are no slouches. Barbara Mallory Caraway, a former state representative and Dallas City Council member, is long steeped in issues facing the area. While unquestionably on the left, she indicated more willingness to moderate on issues such as health care and assistance to Israel. Caraway, 69, is a small-business owner in Dallas.
Rodney LaBruce, a 52-year-old pastor and financial executive for a real estate lender, impressed us with a thoughtful approach to issues. He offered a mix of big goals — such as ending poverty — and more specific ideas, such as preventing bankruptcies related to healthcare costs.
If no candidate wins a majority of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff scheduled for May 26. The ultimate winner will face one of four Republicans running in that party’s primary for the two-year House term.
Early voting runs Feb. 17-27. Election Day is March 3.
The Tarrant County portion of the 30th District, while compact, contains significant portions of Arlington, Grand Prairie and Mansfield.
ABOUT OUR CAMPAIGN ENDORSEMENTS
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHey, who is behind these endorsements?
Members of the Editorial Board, which serves as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s institutional voice, decide candidates and positions to recommend to voters. The members of the board are: Cynthia M. Allen, columnist; Steve Coffman, editor and president; Bud Kennedy, columnist; and Ryan J. Rusak, opinion editor.
Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
How does the process work?
The Editorial Board interviews candidates, asking about positions on issues, experience and qualifications, and how they would approach holding the office for which they are running. Board members do additional research on candidates’ backgrounds and the issues at hand. After that, members discuss the candidates and generally aim to arrive at a consensus, though not necessarily unanimity. All members contribute observations and ideas, so the resulting editorials represent the board’s view, not a particular writer.
How do partisanship and ideology factor in?
We’re not tied to one party or the other, and our positions on issues range across the ideological spectrum. We tend to prefer candidates who align with our previously stated positions, but qualifications, temperament and experience are important, too.
This story was originally published February 10, 2026 at 11:05 AM.