Dallas civil rights leader and longtime pastor Frederick Haynes officially kicked off his campaign to represent Texas’ 30th congressional district in the U.S. House, seeking to fill the seat being vacated by Jasmine Crockett, who is running for U.S. Senate.

Haynes, who has led Friendship-West Baptist Church in southern Dallas for more than 40 years, framed his campaign around justice, community unity, and “people-first leadership.” Speaking to supporters at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Fair Park, he emphasized his perspective as an outsider to Washington politics.

“I want to get to Congress because those outside need a voice and vision on the inside,” Haynes told the audience. “Let’s take an outside voice to the House and make America a better place.”

Policy Focus and Endorsements

Haynes’ platform highlights quality health care for all, economic equality, and the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He criticized ICE actions during past federal immigration enforcement and recent incidents affecting communities nationwide. He received endorsements from notable figures, including Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons, Crockett herself, and Kirk Johnson, son of former long-serving Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. In a recorded message, Crockett praised Haynes’ longstanding dedication to community service and urged constituents to support his campaign.

Civil Rights Leadership and Community Involvement

Beyond his pastoral role, Haynes has been active in civil rights and social justice advocacy. He briefly led the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, founded by Jesse Jackson, and has received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Leadership Award in Community Service from President Joe Biden in 2022. He is also a published author, with works focusing on faith and community leadership. After a medical diagnosis last September, Haynes took a temporary leave from the church for surgery and has since returned to his pastoral duties.

The 30th District Race

Haynes will appear on the Democratic primary ballot alongside former Texas Rep. Barbara Mallory Caraway and local activist Rodney LaBruce. Caraway has previously sought the Democratic nomination multiple times, while LaBruce is a Dallas pastor focused on combating poverty. This year, Texas’ redrawn congressional map changes the boundaries of District 30, removing areas north of I-30 and extending further into Tarrant County. Crockett currently represents the district but is competing for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.

Upcoming Election Dates

The Democratic primary for the 30th district will take place on March 3, with early voting from February 17. The general election is scheduled for November 3, with early voting beginning October 19.