Dallas County Welcomes Esteemed Elections Administrator with Prior Experience in Tarrant County

In a move that promises to bring increased transparency to the management of elections in Dallas County, Heider Garcia has assumed the role of elections chief. While elections administrators are typically anonymous figures, Garcia’s appointment has garnered attention due to his reputation as one of the most respected individuals in his field. With his previous experience leading Tarrant County, Garcia is poised to make a significant impact on the electoral process in Dallas County, starting on December 20.

During an interview on Inside Texas Politics, Garcia emphasized his commitment to preserving Dallas County’s unique identity rather than replicating his previous successes in Tarrant County. Recognizing the importance of understanding the county and its residents, Garcia aims to chart a course that aligns with their aspirations. He stated, “As a leader, it’s crucial for me to get to know them and then set course for whatever next steps we want to take.”

Transparency is a key objective for Garcia in his new role. Rather than implementing a complete overhaul, he intends to make incremental improvements to the existing system, which he believes was already on the right track under the leadership of Michael Scarpello, who served as Dallas County elections chief since 2020. Garcia acknowledges the public’s growing interest in accessing and verifying election records, and he believes that facilitating these processes will enhance transparency.

During the interview, Garcia also addressed his departure from Tarrant County earlier this year, an event that attracted significant attention. Following a meeting with Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare, who had established an Election Integrity Task Force without substantiated evidence of voter fraud, Garcia submitted his resignation letter. In the letter, Garcia asserted his commitment to administering quality and transparent elections, emphasizing the importance of respect and the absence of political influence. He explained, “Compromising on these values is not an option for me. You made it clear in our last meeting that your formula is different, thus, my decision is to leave.”

Despite leaving Tarrant County, Garcia maintains confidence in the current administration of elections there. He still resides in the county and expressed his belief in the fairness and integrity of the electoral process. Additionally, Garcia reminded the public that early voting for the upcoming constitutional amendment election begins on Monday, October 23, with the election taking place on November 7.

With his arrival in Dallas County, Heider Garcia brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to transparency. As the new elections chief, his leadership will undoubtedly shape the electoral landscape in the county, providing residents with a heightened level of confidence in the integrity of their elections.