In a detailed review of county‑commissioner voting logs, the Dallas Express identified 27 instances where Democratic challenger Alisa Simmons either voted against, abstained from, or was absent for measures that directly affect public safety in Tarrant County. The record spans from February 2023 through July 2026 and includes a range of bipartisan proposals covering sheriff‑office equipment, jail operations, immigration enforcement partnerships and training facilities.
Key votes against law‑enforcement resources
On February 7, 2023, Simmons joined Commissioner Roy Brooks in opposing a $1.2 million purchase of a tactical armored vehicle – a BearCat – for the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. The contract passed 3‑2 despite their dissent.
Just weeks later, on March 21, 2023, she cast the lone opposing vote to a memorandum of understanding between the Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations division. Commissioners approved the agreement 4‑1.
In August 2023, Simmons again voted against a contract for multi‑mission protective equipment for deputies, a proposal that cleared the board 4‑1.
Opposition to training and facility upgrades
During September and October 2023, Simmons voted against funding for the county’s law‑enforcement training academy. She also rejected a separate training‑center renovation contract in December 2023 and an amendment to that contract in May 2025.
On October 17, 2023, she opposed a professional‑services contract for renovations at the Cold Springs Jail and rejected the acceptance of a forfeited vehicle for sheriff use.
Resistance to compensation and staffing measures
In November 2023, Simmons voted against a 3 percent lump‑sum compensation adjustment for law‑enforcement employees who had reached the top of their pay grade. The measure passed 3‑1 with one commissioner absent.
She also opposed a February 2024 agreement with Fort Worth to provide law‑enforcement personnel for election support and a separate measure concerning the sale of sheriff‑office weapons and accessories.
Further votes on inter‑governmental services and jail contracts
On June 18, 2024, Simmons cast the lone opposing vote to renew an agreement allowing the Sheriff’s Office to provide services to Edgecliff Village. The renewal passed 4‑1.
In July 2025, she voted against a countywide security‑guard services contract and a proposal to purchase commercial dishwashers for the Green Bay Jail. Later that year, on October 14, 2025, she opposed a jail‑staffing services contract and abstained from a vote designating a county building as the Sheriff’s Training Academy.
Her record also includes a vote against applying for state funding through the Sheriff’s Immigration Law Enforcement Grant Program in February 2026, and an opposition to a fee‑waiver request for a first‑responder couples seminar in May 2026.
Absences and abstentions
Simmons was absent for a July 14, 2026 vote on a body‑worn‑camera policy and abstained from a February 2026 vote on the immigration grant program, indicating a pattern of non‑participation on several public‑safety items.
Context and response
County Judge Tim O’Hare, the Republican incumbent, has repeatedly criticized Simmons for these votes, noting that she “attacks county staff who don’t support her false narratives.” He also highlighted a past exchange in which Simmons told Elections Administrator Clint Ludwig, a Marine veteran, not to mention his military service again.
The Dallas Express has not obtained a response from Simmons regarding the specific votes listed above. Voters are encouraged to consider this voting history as they evaluate the upcoming November race for Tarrant County Judge.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
