Texas Senate District 16

Values you can count on.Experience you can trust.

John Turner served four years in the Texas House, passing laws to support public education, first responders, and Texas families. Now he's running for State Senate—and he's ready to go to work and achieve even more results for Texans.

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John Turner smiling with his arms crossed, standing in a green field
Senator Nathan Johnson speaking into a microphone with his hand on John Turner's shoulder

Endorsed by Senator Nathan Johnson

“There is no other candidate in this race who can match his knowledge of issues, his legislative skill, his work ethic, and his proven record of delivering results for constituents.”

“We need a legislator who can step in immediately and be effective. We need a leader with the tenacity and tact to support the goals of our newly elected leaders while navigating a State Senate still controlled by the Republicans. John Turner proved he can do this as he served House District 114 for four years. I am proud to support John’s campaign for Texas Senate District 16.”

Senator Nathan JohnsonTexas Attorney General-elect

What's at stake

The window is open.District 16 can't wait.

Texans just elected new Democratic leadership in every statewide office. It's an exciting opportunity for our state. But the Texas Senate is still controlled by Republicans, and every vote in it matters. District 16 needs a senator who can step in immediately, work the process, and deliver from the first day.

John has done it before. He's ready to do it again.

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His record

Standing up to extremism. Delivering results.

In 2018, John flipped a Texas House district held by Republicans for 35 years by offering a commonsense alternative to an increasingly extreme MAGA ideology. In Austin, he used debate, argument, and a deep command of the rules to stop radical MAGA bills.

John Turner speaking at a podium at the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters
John speaking to the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters.

Promises Made, Laws Passed

  • Better mental health services for teenagers
  • Expanded access to pre-K
  • Stronger support for vaccines
  • A crackdown on illegal street racing
  • Increased benefits for first responders

Recognized for his service

  • Regional Legislator of the YearAssociation of Texas Professional Educators, 87th Session
  • Fire Fighter Champion of the YearTexas State Association of Fire Fighters, first term
  • Outstanding LegislatorAssociation of Texas EMS Professionals
  • Freshman of the YearCombined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, 86th Session
  • Best Freshman LegislatorCapitol Inside, 86th Session. One of three Democrats, alongside James Talarico and Julie Johnson

The agenda

John's Agenda for a Stronger Texas

As your State Senator, John will fight for commonsense priorities:

  1. Lower the cost of living.

    Curb the cost-of-living crisis, keep property taxes low, and bring down the cost of gas and goods.

  2. Clean up Austin.

    Set a strong example of ethics and accountability, and call out the corruption that has undermined our political system.

  3. Fully fund public schools.

    Give districts and teachers the resources to prepare our kids for the future, and oppose vouchers.

  4. Make health care affordable.

    Expand access to affordable coverage and lower prescription drug prices.

  5. Put Texans before data centers.

    Oppose tax giveaways to data centers and properly regulate AI.

  6. Champion women's rights.

    Change Texas' draconian anti-choice laws.

  7. Protect civil rights.

    Defend the civil rights of every American.

  8. Defend democracy.

    Uphold the rule of law and America's founding civic principles.

John believes in being accessible, respectful, responsive, and ready to listen. He’ll be a champion for District 16, for Dallas County, and for the people who “work hard and play by the rules.”

About John

Meet John

John was born and raised in Crockett, in East Texas. In high school, he spent his summers working for his grandfather's small home-building business and reading the news and weather on the local radio station.

Today, John is an attorney with a Dallas-based law firm, and he's spent much of his career on public-interest causes, including better support for public schools and cleaner air in our cities. He served in the Texas House from 2019 to 2023.

John and his wife Jenia, a law professor, moved to Dallas soon after they married and have called it home for 23 years. They're the proud parents of two sons, ages 19 and 16. John has spent many happy hours volunteering with his sons' schools and scout troops, and cheering at their baseball, basketball, and football games.

John Turner with his wife Jenia, their two sons, and the family dog

A letter from John

I'm John Turner: a husband, father, attorney, and Dallas resident for the last 23 years. I served in the Texas House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023 and built a track record of delivering for Texas and for the constituents I served.

Now I'm running to serve you as State Senator for District 16. A special election will be held soon to fill the vacancy left by Senator Nathan Johnson, who will be our next Texas Attorney General. I'm proud to have his support.

Leadership begins with values. As your Senator, I will reflect the values I was taught and live by: honesty, decency, fairness, and respect for every person. And I know how to put values into action. I'll be ready to hit the ground running, with an agenda to address the cost of living, fully fund our public schools, expand access to affordable health care, and defend the rule of law, civil rights, and the principles of our democracy.

I'd be honored to have your support, and I hope you'll join me.

Sincerely,

John Turner's signature

John Turner

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