City of DeSoto says Everett Jackson was not declared ineligible to run for DeSoto City Council Place 3.
DESOTO, Texas — The runoff election for DeSoto City Council Place 3 may be closed, but confusion over one candidate’s eligibility still lingers.
“This election cycle has been nothing less than hateful,” said Everett Jackson, Place 3 runoff candidate.
Jackson’s campaign was called into question during early voting. The City of DeSoto said they learned through an open records request and email that he did not submit the proper paperwork for an applicant with a prior felony conviction.
They told WFAA that under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Jackson must submit one of three documents: Judicial Clemency under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 42A.701, Executive Pardon under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 48.0, or Restoration of Rights under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 48.05.
Jackson said he submitted his discharge of sentence and said he was initially told he had a specific timeframe to turn in the right documents.
“To be honest with you, it was approximately 28 hours, and they wanted this, which was unreasonable to begin with, and I got a judge to sign a TRO, a temporary restraining order,” said Jackson.
He said another judge vacated that order, which means it was cancelled. Friday, a judge granted him a judicial release.
“This is maybe the second most important document that I’ve ever received in my life,” said Jackson.
He read the order to WFAA. He said, “Based on the record before it, the court finds that the civil disability that would otherwise disqualify Mr. Jackson from public office is no longer applicable or necessary in light of the facts and equities presented. That freed me to do whatever I wanted to do politically and civilly and civically.”
However, around 1 a.m. on Election Day, Saturday, Jackson said his lawyer received an email stating that his judicial release was vacated. Judge Raquel Jones sent WFAA a copy of that signed order.
“Once you reverse or you vacate something that vindicates me from any disability, now the supporters, the citizens that support Everett Jackson, they are now confused,” said Jackson.
Saturday, WFAA reported that the city ruled Jackson ineligible after his lawyer posted to Facebook that his judicial release had been vacated; however, the city said Jackson was never declared ineligible.
The City of DeSoto shared this statement with WFAA.
The City did not deem Everett Jackson ineligible to appear on the ballot during the run-off election. The information reported on WFAA shortly after the unofficial results, “the candidate was ruled ineligible today,” was not accurate and was not sent by the City. As previously stated, under the Texas Election Code 145.003, a candidate can only be declared ineligible by the presiding officer of the canvassing authority after the polls have closed and before a certificate of election is issued. For the June 7, 2025 Join Runoff Election in DeSoto, Dallas County’s final unofficial results report shows Ken Waters received the majority of the votes.
“They made those who supported Everett Jackson and those who were considering Everett Jackson not vote or vote another direction,” said Jackson.
Opponent Water sent WFAA the following statement:
“This election cycle in DeSoto has had its share of unexpected twists and turns. Out of the twenty-plus years that I have lived in DeSoto, I don’t recall it ever being this quarrelsome.
It has been a long, hard and contentious race. With over sixty percent of the votes in my favor, the people of DeSoto have spoken, and I am pleased with the results.
It’s time for DeSoto to move forward in a positive congruous manner. This position is a reflection of our city, and I will serve the city with integrity as I put the citizens’ well-being first.
I will work with the other Council members to ensure that we have a smooth transition as I move into the position. This will include putting DeSoto Economics First, growing our economy, fighting for the needs of Place 3, improving our public safety, improving our infrastructure and working on capital improvement projects.”
WFAA also reached out to the Secretary of State, who declined to comment.
Even with confusion, Jackson said this is just the beginning.
“My voice will be louder than ever, and I can promise you that whether I have a seat on the day or not, I still have my voice,” said Jackson.
