Sanctioned Former Judge Upsets Incumbent Dallas DA in Stunning Primary Victory

Historic Upset Defies Political Expectations

Amber Givens, a former Dallas County district judge, delivered a stunning upset victory over incumbent District Attorney John Creuzot in the Democratic primary, winning approximately 53% of the vote despite facing a massive fundraising disadvantage. Creuzot raised over $400,000 while Givens operated with only about $20,000. "The people of Dallas County spoke louder than money, louder than endorsements and louder than any political machine," Givens declared during her first press conference following the victory.

In a county that leans heavily Democratic, the primary serves as the de facto election for the prosecutor's office, with no Republican contender making a Democratic primary victory effectively securing election in November. Her victory makes her poised to become the first Black female elected as Dallas County District Attorney.

Controversy Shadows Victory

Givens was publicly reprimanded by the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct in June of last year for allegedly having a staffer impersonate her during a bond hearing in 2021 and for mistreating lawyers in her courtroom. "Judge Givens' failures … constituted willful and/or persistent conduct that is clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of her judicial duties and cast public discredit upon judiciary or the administration of justice," commission Chair Gary Steel wrote in the reprimand.

Givens resigned as a district court judge last year to run for office a few months after she was sanctioned, though she vehemently denies the charges and has appealed. During her judicial tenure, Givens was consistently deemed a "low-performing" judge, with Dallas County Commissioners singling her out to not receive bonus pay last year—until she sued the county, and commissioners changed their minds.

Community-Centered Vision

Givens made her first comments since her upset primary victory this week, saying Thursday she wants her tenure in the DA's office to be focused on a community-centered approach to justice. She argued the office needed stronger leadership, clearer policies and improved transparency with the public, pointing to her years presiding over felony cases and saying her courtroom experience would bring consistency and accountability to charging decisions.

She said she'll work with the Dallas County Commissioner's Court to establish a prosecutorial intake division that allows police and other law enforcement officers to work directly with prosecutors at the early stages of a case. Givens advocated for diversion programs and community justice councils during her campaign, with her campaign website stating "Justice must be transparent enough for the public to trust it."

Personal Resilience Drives Mission

The presumptive DA-elect acknowledged that she faced controversy in recent years, saying she ultimately came out stronger in the end: "Over the past several years, I've been tested in ways I could have never imagined, but those tests did something far greater than challenge me. They sharpened my purpose."

Givens shared her personal journey, noting "I survived spinal meningitis at six months; I could not afford to go to law school. My mom got that second mortgage on her house." The victory represents both a political upset and a personal triumph for someone who overcame significant obstacles to reach the pinnacle of Dallas County's justice system. With her inauguration set for January, Givens will inherit one of Texas's largest prosecutor offices and the responsibility of delivering on her promises of transparency and community engagement.