Amber Givens Unseats John Creuzot in Dallas DA Race

Former Dallas County District Judge Amber Givens has defeated incumbent District Attorney John Creuzot in the Democratic primary, effectively securing her position as the next District Attorney for Dallas County. With no Republican challenger in the general election, Givens is poised to take office in January 2026.

Upset Victory for Givens

Givens’ victory on Wednesday came as a surprise, with early voting showing a near-even split between the two candidates. Final results released by the elections department showed Givens leading with approximately 54% of the vote to Creuzot’s 46%. KERA News reported the results on March 4, 2026.

Creuzot Concedes

Creuzot conceded the race in a statement, congratulating Givens and acknowledging the essential conversations advanced during the campaign regarding justice, accountability, and public safety in Dallas County. WFAA reported on the concession.

Background on the Candidates

Givens resigned from her position on the 282nd District Court in December 2025 to challenge Creuzot. She argued the office needed stronger leadership, clearer policies, and improved transparency. KERA News detailed her platform.

Creuzot, first elected in 2018, was part of a wave of reform-minded prosecutors in Texas. He secured endorsements from members of the Dallas County Commissioners Court and the Dallas City Council, as well as The Dallas Morning News and several local Democratic groups. Despite a significant fundraising advantage – raising over $400,000 compared to Givens’ approximately $20,000 – he was unable to secure re-election. The Texas Observer highlighted the fundraising disparity.

Controversy Surrounding Givens

Givens faced scrutiny during her time as a judge, receiving a public reprimand from the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct in June 2025. The reprimand stemmed from allegations of a staffer impersonating her during a bond hearing in 2021 and for mistreating lawyers in her courtroom. Fox 4 News reported on the reprimand. Givens disputes the allegations and is appealing the sanctions.

During her tenure on the bench, Givens also experienced a high number of recusal requests from both prosecutors and defense attorneys, citing concerns about impartiality and fairness. Fox 4 News also reported on the recusal requests.

Looking Ahead

With no Republican opponent, Givens is expected to assume the role of Dallas County District Attorney in January 2026. Her victory signals a potential shift in the direction of the office, and many anticipate changes in leadership and policy. Fox 4 News noted this transition.