Another Democrat has announced for the Texas House of Representatives seat currently held by Rep. Terri Hodge (D-Dallas).  Eric "EJ " Johnson announced for the seat today. Hodge is currently under federal indictment relating to bribery and is slated to go to trial soon.

I was, frankly, surprised that Hodge avoided an opponent in both the primary and general elections. Indictment usually guarantees opposition. But politics in some parts of Dallas are played by a unique set of rules.

Johnson appears to have an impressive resume for the job. Undergraduate degree from Harvard. Law Degree from Pennsylvania. Master of Public Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton. Attended local Dallas schools. Democratic precinct chairman. Quote in his press release from Dallas NAACP branch president Juanita Wallace.

"Improving our public schools and producing more college graduates is crucial to jumpstarting economic development both in District 100, whose residents' per capita income lags behind the state average by almost $7,000 per year, and throughout the State of Texas," said Johnson.  "I will also fight for every resident of District 100 to have access to quality health care and will work to address the drug and crime issues that have dogged District 100 for years and threaten the safety and quality of life of its residents."

Let the campaign begin.