Texas Democrats

The Texas Democratic Party is pleased to welcome State Representative Kirk England, a lifelong resident of Grand Prairie and a strong advocate for working families.  Representative England, who was elected to the State House as a Republican in 2006, made the courageous decision to become a Democrat because he felt Tom Craddick's extreme partisan agenda was not serving his constituents.

"In December of 2005, when I filed to run for office, I made a promise to the hardworking families in our community to fight for our public schools, fight for affordable health care and to fight for them on pocketbook issues," England said. "After one session in the House, I found that the Republican leadership in Austin had no tolerance for the values and priorities of the folks I represent. That is why today I am announcing my intention to seek re-election to the Texas House as a Democrat."

Texas Democratic Chairman Boyd Richie warmly welcomed Representative England to the Party.  "Representative Kirk England's decision shows courage and commitment to his district," Richie said. "Time and again, Representative England has stood up against the extreme partisan Republican leadership in Austin that has continually failed our state. He's a fighter for the people who elected him to serve and I am very pleased to welcome him to the Texas Democratic Party." 

You can read more about Representative England's courageous decision in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and see below for what our DFW-area Democratic lawmakers had to say.

Dallas and Tarrant County Democratic Legislators Support Rep. England

--Senator Royce West (D-Dallas)

"Kirk England and I have worked together on important issues to Grand Prairie and North Texas.  We're friends and neighbors, and I'm proud to support him."  

--Representative Roberto Alonzo (D-Dallas)

"Make no mistake about it - Kirk England has stood up time and time again to Austin strong arm tactics to do what's right for his district, and he'll have my full commitment and strong support."

--Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas)

"I am thrilled that Kirk England will be able to represent the folks in Grand Prairie and Irving without having Craddick in his face every day." 

--Rep. Lon Burnam (D-Fort Worth)

"I applaud Kirk England's commitment and principled decision to put his district ahead of partisan politics and stand up to the Republican leadership's extreme tactics and agenda in Austin.  I look forward to working with Kirk for a better Texas."

--Rep. Yvonne Davis (D-Dallas)

"I have great respect for Kirk England and we are very happy to welcome him into the fold." 

--Rep. Helen Giddings (D-Dallas)

"I've served in the House quite awhile; there's no one with more courage or who has earned more respect than Kirk England." 

--Rep. Terri Hodge (D- Dallas)

"I have always had enormous respect for Kirk England for fighting against the extreme partisan agenda in Austin and doing what's right by his district - I look forward to serving with him as a Democrat."            

--Rep. Barbara Mallory Caraway (D-Dallas)

"Kirk England is a man of honor and principle, I couldn't ask for a better friend and colleague and his district couldn't find a better leader."   

--Rep. Paula Pierson (D-Arlington)

"Kirk England is a thoughtful, well balanced and common sense legislator.  I know that his constituents will be better served and proud of his decision."   

--Rep. Allen Vaught (D-Dallas)

"Kirk England is making a gutsy move by standing up for his district and putting public education, healthcare and pocket book issues ahead of the failed leadership of Tom Craddick." 

--Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Fort Worth)