Tom Leppert - Mayor of Dallas

Mayor of Dallas

Leppert defeated city councilman Ed Oakley in a runoff election June 16, 2007, winning with 58 percent of the vote. Some attribute his win to unexpected support from leaders within the African American community of the traditionally Democratic southern section of the city and his appeal to Republicans.

While the office of mayor is officially non-partisan, like all municipal offices in Texas, Leppert is a Republican who participates in party fundraising events.

After his first year in office, Leppert's runnoff election opponent (Oakley) praised him for his leadership and for delivering on his campaign promises: "There's no question: Tom's done an excellent job. He's delivered on his priorities." Shortly before Leppert’s resignation, however, Oakley had second thoughts and publicly wondered whether Leppert was more interested in his own advancement than the city’s.