Dallas County Elections Administrator Heider Garcia Resigns Ahead of Key Votes

Dallas County Elections Administrator Heider Garcia will resign from his position on August 29 to pursue opportunities in the private sector, departing the office just months ahead of a statewide constitutional amendment election and the 2026 primary election.

Garcia submitted his resignation letter on Thursday, expressing gratitude to Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins for his support and emphasizing the resources that “enabled me to deliver results effectively.” Preparations for the forthcoming elections are in full swing, with the Dallas County Elections Commission—a bipartisan assembly of county officials—set to choose its successor.

In the absence of a permanent administrator before Garcia's departure, his deputy, Malissa Kouba, will assume the responsibilities until a successor is appointed, according to Jenkins' office.

Garcia took on a new role in Dallas County in late 2023, having previously overseen elections in Tarrant County since 2018. He stepped down from his position in Tarrant, citing political pressure from Republican County Judge Tim O’Hare. 

Throughout his career, Garcia built a strong reputation as one of Texas’s most esteemed election officials, recognized nationwide for his efforts in combating misinformation and rebuilding confidence in the electoral process.

A former software engineer at Smartmatic, Garcia has a background with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, where he contributed to the development of best practices for election administration nationwide. His initiatives for openness—featuring direct interaction with those doubtful about the election—set a benchmark for other counties in Texas.

In Tarrant County, Garcia encountered harassment and racist death threats from supporters of former President Donald Trump, who inaccurately asserted that he “rigged” the 2020 election. Despite the challenges, Garcia implemented reforms that improved transparency, leading to their widespread adoption across the state.

“Heider Garcia arrived in Dallas County with a strong history of managing successful elections, and he certainly upheld that reputation throughout his tenure here,” Jenkins stated. “We value his commitment and proven leadership of this vital department.”

The Dallas County Election Commission includes Jenkins, Democratic Chair Kardal Coleman, Republican Chair Allen West, the county tax assessor, and the county clerk.

Garcia has remained silent regarding his upcoming position in the private sector.