Candidate: Laura Cadena

Age: 50

Website: laurafordallas.com

Why do you want to be a member of the Dallas City Council, and why are you the best person for the job?

I am a proud 4th-generation Texan, lifelong Dallas resident and Baylor graduate. My family has called District 6 home for over 80 years, shaping my values, resilience, and deep commitment to service. My father is a Navy veteran who served on the USS Forrestal and my mother worked for the city. Public service, volunteerism and advocacy are at the core of who I am.

Prior to coming to City Hall, I served as a volunteer alongside many of my District 6 family and friends. For nearly eight years, I served at City Hall, dedicated to addressing the needs of District 6 and the City of Dallas. Many residents entrusted me with advocating for the issues that matter most to them, and I have gained a deep understanding of how government can work hand in hand with the community to create real change. I know what it takes to lead with integrity, vision and impact. I am running for Dallas City Council District 6 because our community deserves an experienced, effective leader with a proven track record.

What is the single greatest challenge for your district and how will you address it?

It is difficult to pick just one but affordable housing is a challenge throughout District 6. Addressing this requires private/public partnerships and using tools such as will clinics, tangled title programs, and homestead tax exemption programs. The City also created the Housing Finance Corporation and Dallas Public Facility Corporation which will help create more affordable housing units.

In addition, District 6 has more lane miles than any district and the most industrial and commercial. Although we have a bond program every 6-7 years we must also work with organizations such as the North Texas Council of Governments, County, Federal Government and other governmental agencies to address infrastructure issues.

What do you see as the greatest opportunities to grow our city's tax base?

In District 6 the redevelopment of upper Stemmons from Pegasus Park to Koreatown is ripe for redevelopment and a proper area plan to get the mixture of housing and retail while also keeping the vibrant wholesalers. Koreatown now brings in the same amount of sales tax as Northpark Mall. Koreatown is a great opportunity to grow our City’s tax base. Examples of this are the new H-Mart being built in Koreatown and Biolabs which opened in Pegasus Park and recently touted its first billion dollar startup. I would also focus on the Bachman Transportation Plan to continue implementation which will open up new opportunities for new businesses and residential. Stemmons Corridor is the main corridor that welcomes people into Downtown Dallas from DFW Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport.

What is your political party affiliation and what role will that play in your job as a council member?

A City Council Member is a nonpartisan position in the City of Dallas. The job of a council member is to work for all their constituents regardless of their party affiliation. An example of nonpartisan issues are assisting residents with potholes, park beautification, public safety and sanitation services. I am a Democrat who has been endorsed by conservative, moderates, and progressive residents.

Candidate: Monica R. Alonzo

Age: 59

Website: alonzofordallas.com

Why do you want to be a member of the Dallas City Council, and why are you the best person for the job?

District 6 needs a fighter with the experience and knowledge to get things done, and that’s exactly what I bring to the table. Having previously served on the Dallas City Council and as Mayor Pro Tem, I know how to work collaboratively to deliver results for our community.

What is the single greatest challenge for your district and how will you address it?

The lack of leadership has left our district neglected, and it's time to get back to the basics. I will work to support our first responders so families feel safe, promote economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance communication and transparency at City Hall.

What do you see as the greatest opportunities to grow our city's tax base?

We can grow our city's tax base by attracting strong businesses with strategic incentives—not only to bring them here but to encourage them to stay and create good-paying jobs for our community. This approach will help lower taxes and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.

What is your political party affiliation and what role will that play in your job as a council member?

While it’s no secret that I’m a Democrat, this city and position are non-partisan. I plan to work with all my colleagues, regardless of party affiliation, to make our city a vibrant and thriving place where people want to live, work, and play.

Candidate: Quincher Morgan (write-in candidate)

Age: 47

Website: none provided

Why do you want to be a member of the Dallas City Council, and why are you the best person for the job?

I've always been an activist for my community and just a genuine down to earth caring person.. I want a together feel that my community is lacking.. I'm going to work hard to get our concerns addressed.. I'm a fighter for fairness and I want harmony to happen.. I want to feel the pride we strive for

What is the single greatest challenge for your district and how will you address it?

Trust in our politicians to do what's right.. My character has always allowed people to believe in and gravitate to me.. I plan on making sure they can still feel the same once I'm in office

What do you see as the greatest opportunities to grow our city's tax base?

We have a growing community and we have a lot of businesses both big and small.. but the communication with the community is what's lacking in a lot of their success. once money is invested into the business by our citizens we will see our city keep investing into itself.. plus making the citizens feel safe enough to explore and find all the opportunities here will bring in more revenue as well..

What is your political party affiliation and what role will that play in your job as a council member?

I have always backed the candidate that showed true concern for American citizens.. that stood firm in the face of adversaries and showed character.. so were I've been Democratic mostly ... I have been swayed to other party affiliates because of what they campaigned about.. I can say that makes me versatile and able to make decisions while heartedly for all in my community... we have to be willing to work together

Candidate: Gabriel Kissinger

Age: 30

Website: gabrielfordallas.com

Why do you want to be a member of the Dallas City Council, and why are you the best person for the job?

I am running for Dallas City Council because District 6 needs fresh, bold leadership that focuses on the essentials—public safety, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility—rather than wasting taxpayer dollars on non-essential programs. As a young candidate, I bring new energy, a strong backbone, and a commitment to real solutions, not the same failed policies that have been recycled for years.

I am not an insider backed by special interest groups or big corporate donors. My priority is the hardworking residents of District 6—not the political cliques of Dallas. Our district has the highest amount of overall crime in the city along with deteriorating roads, and a growing homelessness crisis. We cannot afford more of the same mismanagement.

I will bring something new to the table by fighting to fully fund and equip our police force, restore law and order, and enforce a zero-tolerance policy for homelessness—prioritizing treatment first, then housing. I will ensure tax dollars are spent wisely by fixing roads, cleaning up our streets, and revitalizing neighborhoods—not padding bureaucratic budgets or funding non-essential programs and events.

District 6 deserves a leader who will stand up for the people, not bow to political pressure. I believe I have what it takes.

What is the single greatest challenge for your district and how will you address it?

Public Safety is the greatest challenge. District 6 has the highest crime count in Dallas, with theft and drug offenses surpassing city averages. Motor vehicle theft, assault, the fentanyl-driven drug crisis, and homelessness, bringing waste and encampments, are major concerns.

I will equip our police department, ensuring officers have the resources to combat crime. Competitive pay, benefits, and training will help attract and retain experienced officers. I will fight to fully fund the police and fire pension, ensuring our first responders receive the retirement security they deserve. I also support Proposition U to expand our police force and increase salaries, strengthening public safety.

To reduce crime, I will support targeted policing in high-crime areas, crack down on theft, drugs, and prostitution, and expand neighborhood watch programs. Also, a stronger police presence in drug hot spots will curb addiction-related offenses. Those arrested for drug offenses should enter supervised rehabilitation, while prioritizing faith-based partnerships for lasting recovery.

I support Proposition S to hold city officials accountable—ensuring public safety laws are enforced. The city must follow its own rules and remain accountable to taxpayers.

On homelessness, I will work to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on public encampments while prioritizing treatment first. Those violating public order laws will have two choices: accept help through a shelter or treatment center or face legal consequences. Those with severe mental illness or addiction will undergo evaluations and, if necessary, court-ordered treatment. Housing will only be provided to those maintaining recovery. Those who refuse help and continue violating public order will face arrest or removal from the city.

Funding must come from cutting ineffective programs and wasteful spending, redirecting resources to treatment, public safety, and crime prevention. These policies will make District 6 cleaner and safer.

What do you see as the greatest opportunities to grow our city's tax base?

Dallas has tremendous potential for economic growth, and the key to expanding our tax base lies in fostering a business-friendly environment, prioritizing infrastructure, and ensuring public safety. By cutting bureaucratic red tape and reducing burdensome regulations, we can attract more businesses, particularly small and mid-sized enterprises, which drive job creation and local investment.

Investing in infrastructure—such as repairing roads, revitalizing aging buildings, and improving sanitation—will make Dallas more attractive for businesses and residents alike. A cleaner, well-maintained city encourages property development, increasing property values and generating additional tax revenue.

Public safety is also critical. High crime discourages investment and economic growth. By fully funding our police force, cracking down on crime, and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for homelessness, we can create a safer environment that attracts businesses and new residents, strengthening the tax base.

Additionally, I support public-private partnerships to accelerate development without overburdening taxpayers. By focusing on these common-sense priorities, we can grow our economy, increase revenue, and ensure long-term financial stability for Dallas.

What is your political party affiliation and what role will that play in your job as a council member?

I am a conservative, as my policies for District 6 align with core conservative principles, but I am not backed or funded by any political party in this race. The conservative policies I support—strong public safety, fiscal responsibility that prioritizes essential services, and limited government—are exactly what Dallas and District 6 need to get back on track. Liberal policies have failed us time and again, leaving the same challenges unresolved. It’s time for a new approach that puts the people first, ensures taxpayer dollars are used wisely, and builds a foundation for long-term stability and prosperity.

Candidate: Nicolas Quintanilla

Age: 19

Website: none provided

Why do you want to be a member of the Dallas City Council, and why are you the best person for the job?

I am the best candidate for this job because of my track record and my involvement in the community. The city of Dallas has billions and billions of dollars in its budget. Yet we have no Jobs, we have no access to capital for small businesses, our roads are horrible, they need to be fixed, crime is rising, Dallas is facing a 6 billion deficit, as councilman will fight against wasteful spending. I think we need to invest in the community. we need someone at City Hall who is not afraid to speak out, we need someone who will be a voice for the city of Dallas and I will be that voice. I am 19 years old, I am running because we need NEW LEADERSHIP.

What is the single greatest challenge for your district and how will you address it?

The biggest challenge in my district is our infrastructure. Our roads need to be repaired. The other challenge is lack of Jobs. As councilman I will work with corporations to create good paying JOBS in district 6.

What do you see as the greatest opportunities to grow our city's tax base?

If you drive down Webb Chapel, and Northwest Hwy, there is a lot of land. Screaming OPPORTUNITY. We can go to a corporation, and provide incentives for them to open up their corporate office, which would lead to job creation and revenue which would grow our city’s tax base.

What is your political party affiliation and what role will that play in your job as a council member?

The City Council position is Non Partisan. I served as President of The Young Latino Democrats, I have met with Democratic Party Chair Kardal Coleman and I have also met with Republican Party Chair Allen West to talk about issues affecting my community so they are both aware. The city council has democrats and republicans, I will work with both to be an effective Dallas city Councilman.T

Candidate: Tony Carrillo

Age: not provided

Website: tony-carrillo.com

Why do you want to be a member of the Dallas City Council, and why are you the best person for the job?

I believe that I will make the proper suggestions and votes, that will benefit the City, Residents and Investors.

As a proprietor I have built 5 homes at affordable rates in District 6 and 1.

I have served the community and metroplex as a volunteer for 31 years and continue. I first hand have seen the needs, and my option bad decisions the city has made.

What is the single greatest challenge for your district and how will you address it?

Gentrification - I have organized a Neighborhood Community Association all members have 2 generations in our neighborhood. We have a Neighborhood Stabilization Overlay, which was violated, put through the Board of Adjustments and over ruled against us. We had no representation.

I will represent each neighborhood accordingly.

What do you see as the greatest opportunities to grow our city's tax base?

Creating Job Opportunities, thus providing all residents with more income.

We have toxic land that needs to be detoxified. Opening up land for employment opportunities. 

What is your political party affiliation and what role will that play in your job as a council member?

Christian First.

Mainly Republican, I also vote Democrat. This depends on my beliefs of the representative and their stance on issues.

I will love and care for all people. Safety and goodwill for all.