Dallas, December 31, 2025
Pedra Geter, the only Democratic candidate challenging Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia, has been disqualified from the March primary due to unresolved felony convictions. Geter’s convictions, which include serious offenses from the late 1990s and early 2000s, prevent her from seeking public office without the necessary pardons. As a result, Garcia is set to run unopposed for a fifth term in office. Geter is exploring options to appeal the decision and plans to run in future elections, highlighting issues within Texas’s election laws involving felony convictions.
Dallas, Texas – The political landscape in Dallas County is undergoing changes as Pedra Geter, the sole Democratic challenger to current Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia, has been disqualified from the March 3 primary ballot. This disqualification stems from Geter’s unresolved felony convictions from the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Dallas County Democratic Party took this decisive step after Geter was unable to provide the necessary evidence of legally required pardons for her felony convictions.
Between 1998 and 2004, Geter faced multiple felony convictions in Dallas County, including offenses such as forgery, fraud, and tampering with government records. Her sentences varied, encompassing probation and as much as two years in state jail. Under Texas law, individuals with felony convictions are mandated to secure a pardon or have their disabilities removed in order to be eligible for public office—a process which Geter did not complete. A recent attorney general opinion highlighted that this release from disabilities is not automatically granted upon completion of sentencing; rather, it requires an executive pardon or a judicial dismissal of the charges, situations that were not applicable to Geter’s cases.
While Geter has fulfilled her sentences and probation, she believed there were no lingering legal disabilities affecting her candidacy. In light of her disqualification, Geter is currently exploring all available remedies to address the Democratic Party’s decision and has expressed her intention to run again in the next election cycle. As a result of Geter’s removal, Elba Garcia, who has held a position on the Dallas County Commissioners Court since November 2010, will run unopposed for a fifth term, enhancing her chances of continuing her public service without opposition.
The disqualification highlights significant aspects of Texas election laws concerning candidates with histories of felony convictions, and underscores the critical importance of obtaining the necessary legal clearances before seeking public office. This development serves as a reminder to prospective candidates about the complexities of the electoral process in Texas.
Key Takeaways
– Pedra Geter has been disqualified from the March primary ballot due to unresolved felony convictions.
– Between 1998 and 2004, she was convicted of seven felonies in Dallas County.
– Texas law requires offenders to obtain a pardon to be eligible for public office.
– Geter plans to explore her options and may run for office again in the future.
– Elba Garcia will now run unopposed for a fifth term on the Dallas County Commissioners Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What led to Pedra Geter’s disqualification from the ballot?
- Pedra Geter was disqualified because she failed to provide evidence of legally required pardons for her felony convictions from the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- What were the felony convictions that led to Geter’s disqualification?
- Between 1998 and 2004, Geter was convicted of seven felonies in Dallas County, including forgery, fraud, and tampering with government records.
- What does Texas law require for individuals with felony convictions to run for public office?
- Texas law mandates that individuals with felony convictions must obtain a pardon or have their disabilities removed to be eligible for public office.
- What is Pedra Geter’s response to her disqualification?
- Pedra Geter is evaluating all available remedies to address the party’s decision and plans to run again in the next election.
- Who is Elba Garcia, and what is her current political status?
- Elba Garcia has served on the Dallas County Commissioners Court since November 2010 and will now run unopposed for a fifth term.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Disqualification of Pedra Geter | Pedra Geter, the sole Democratic challenger to Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia, was disqualified from the March 3 primary ballot due to unresolved felony convictions from the late 1990s and early 2000s. |
| Felony Convictions | Between 1998 and 2004, Geter was convicted of seven felonies in Dallas County, including forgery, fraud, and tampering with government records. |
| Texas Election Law | Texas law requires individuals with felony convictions to obtain a pardon or have their disabilities removed to be eligible for public office. |
| Pedra Geter’s Response | Despite completing all sentences and probation, Geter is evaluating all available remedies to address the party’s decision and plans to run again in the next election. |
| Elba Garcia’s Status | Elba Garcia, who has served on the Dallas County Commissioners Court since November 2010, will now run unopposed for a fifth term. |
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
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