Former judge Amber Givens said Thursday that her upset victory over Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot showed voters chose “a people-powered movement” over money and political influence.
Speaking at a Dallas church in her first appearance since Tuesday’s Democratic primary, she said the outcome proved that “justice in Dallas County is not for sale” after her low-budget campaign defeated a well-funded incumbent.
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Givens, who is appealing judicial sanctions tied to her conduct on the bench, said her campaign spent less than $60,000 compared with more than $420,000 raised by Creuzot, a two-term incumbent.
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“What ultimately decided this election was not money,” she said. “It was the people of Dallas County. The people of Dallas County spoke louder than money, louder than endorsements, and louder than any political machine.”
She described the win as proof that voters want a justice system “built by the people,” and pledged to work with supporters and critics alike as she prepares to take over the office early next year.
Among her plans is the creation of community justice councils that will bring residents, community leaders, victims and “justice system stakeholders” together to ensure that the office remains “grounded in the needs of the people we serve.”
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She also wants to work with the county Commissioners Court to fund and establish a prosecutorial intake division. The division would allow law enforcement to work with prosecutors at the earliest stage of a case. Officers would be able to connect with the office before an arrest so they can determine whether charges are warranted and begin securing evidence for prosecutors.
“My responsibility as district attorney-elect is to ensure that the justice system works for everyone in Dallas County,” Givens said. “Every victim, every accused person, every neighborhood, every ZIP code.”
With no Republican in the race, Givens is expected to take office after the November general election. Her four-year term would begin in January.
She did not take questions after her remarks.
Givens thanked voters, volunteers and community leaders who supported her campaign, describing the effort as a grassroots movement built by residents across the county.
“Together we built a people-powered movement,” she said. “When the people stand together, the outcome belongs to them.”