Ebony Turner For House District 96
The Blue Battle 2024: Inside the Democratic races.
I met Ebony Turner in 2022 when she ran for a Tarrant County Criminal Court position. Unfortunately, she didn’t win that race, but it made a lasting impression on me. That’s why I was pleased to hear she was running for HD96 this year.
Whether organizing with Mansfield moms or speaking out against Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare’s authoritarian actions, Turner has shown her community that she’s willing to stand up and show up. HD96 is one race I’m watching closely. Let’s get into it.
Who is Ebony Turner?
Ebony Turner is the Democratic candidate running for Texas House District 96. She is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and former adjunct criminal justice professor teaching domestic violence courses. Her legal background also includes roles as a parole attorney and a legislative attorney, drafting bills focused on criminal and correctional law. Turner’s career has been deeply connected to public defense, having worked in the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office for four years, where she handled thousands of criminal cases.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Turner is highly engaged in her community. She founded the Future Lawyers Internship Program (FLIP) and actively participates in organizations like the L. Clifford Davis Legal Association and the Black Women Lawyers Association in Tarrant County. Turner also advocates for educational equity, criminal justice reform, and reproductive rights, as highlighted in her “P.E.R.S.O.N.A.L.” campaign issues, where she focuses on privacy rights for reproductive healthcare, school safety, and access to adequate healthcare for all.
Who is she running against?
The current HD96 Republican incumbent is David Cook. Cook was also the previous mayor of Mansfield, and he dealt with his fair share of controversies. Check out this ad from the Lone Star Project about David Cook in 2020 (the first time he ran for office):
Cook spent a decade as Mansfield mayor, gaining a reputation for being involved in pay-to-play politics. Since joining the Texas House, Cook has unsurprisingly taken a hard-right turn and aligned themselves with the most extreme.
Here were some of his votes in the Texas House:
Cook was a co-sponsor of the “trigger bill,” which altogether banned abortions in Texas once SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade.
He also was the co-sponsor of a bill that limited the liability of trucking companies when they kill or severely injure someone.
He co-sponsored a bill to prohibit discrimination against the gun industry. (Yes, actually.)
David Cook co-sponsored the bill that penalized police departments if they invest in mental health or community resources.
Cook co-sponsored the bill that banned Republicans’ interpretation of Critical Race Theory, a.k.a. Black history.
He voted against a bill prohibiting state education agencies from requiring fee payment from educationally disadvantaged students if they establish broadband internet access.
He voted to implement voter suppression of unhoused people.
He voted in favor of banning drive-thru voting and 24-hour voting.
David Cook co-sponsored a bill to discriminate against transgender athletes.
He voted in favor of the last Republican gerrymandered maps.
Cook was a co-sponsor of a bill that banned environmentally responsible investing in Texas.
He also co-sponsored the bill that prohibited cities from mandating water breaks for outside workers.
David Cook co-sponsored a bill to militarize border communities (from 400 miles away).
Those are some of his worst votes, but he’s done a lot of damage to Texas and Texas communities during his two terms in office.
Last week, David Cook added his name to the “Contract on Texas.” This Republican plan will strip Democrats of chairmanships and deny them the opportunity to have their bills heard on the House floor.
You have to understand that the majority of Hispanic, Black, and Asian voters in the State of Texas vote for Democrats. So, by removing all political power from Democrats in Texas, Republicans also will remove all political power from people of color. It’s racist.
It’s even more racist when you take into fact that 61% of Texas is non-White.
Cook is also pro-vouchers.
What about this district?
Interestingly, Cook has tried to align himself so closely with the bigots and the racists in the GOP because HD96 doesn’t look anything like the way Cook votes.
During the 2021 redistricting, the Texas House pegged this district as 53% non-Anglo. However, this area is experiencing a population boom. Mansfield has seen significant population growth in recent years and is expected to continue growing, doubling its population by 2040.
This district consists of most of Mansfield, a sliver of Arlington, and Burleson Crowley, Kennedale, and Rendon.
When Republicans redrew this district in 2021, they gave themselves a +9-point advantage. Cook was unopposed in 2022, so this will be the first election for HD96 since redistricting with a Democratic challenger.
Based on the rapid growth and diversity in this area, it would appear that Cook may be in trouble. However, he does have a few things going on for him.
His war chest is enormous compared to Turner’s.
He has a reputation as the former Mansfield mayor.
Too many voters aren’t heavily invested in politics, so many might be unaware of his terrible voting record.
Can this seat be flipped?
Flipping HD96 will not be easy, but Ebony Turner has several factors working in her favor that could help her win. HD96 has a growing population, and it is becoming increasingly diverse. With over 53% of the district being non-Anglo, the community’s needs and values are shifting. Turner, who advocates for educational equity, healthcare access, and reproductive rights, aligns well with the priorities of this diverse constituency.
David Cook has a significant financial advantage and name recognition from his time as mayor, but Turner can cut into that lead with the right messaging.
Turner’s path to flipping HD96 also relies heavily on voter turnout. With the district’s changing demographics and growing frustration with the state’s political direction, there is potential for increased voter engagement. If Turner can drive turnout among younger voters, women, and people of color, she can close the gap in what has historically been a Republican stronghold. Mobilizing voters through grassroots efforts, social media campaigns, and partnerships with local organizations will ensure Election Day’s success.
With a focused campaign and continued engagement, Ebony Turner could be poised to flip HD96 and bring much-needed progressive leadership to the district.
You can learn more about Ebony Turner on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.
Vote early, vote often, just vote.
The Blue Battle 2024 is my series covering races in the Texas Legislature (in no particular order). This series will highlight Democratic candidates once or twice a week leading to the November election. If you missed the previous installments:
October 7: Last day to register to vote.
October 21: First day to early vote.
October 25: Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot.
November 1: Last day to early vote.
November 5: Election day!
LoneStarLeft’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, YouTube, and Instagram.