Political observers on Wednesday said it is understandable for those within city government and political circles to wonder if Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson may have aspirations for another elected office before his eight years as mayor are complete.

Johnson on Tuesday denied speculation first reported by The Dallas Morning News that the city’s 60th mayor may resign before his second, four-year term ends in 2027.

“I am NOT running for anything, and I will continue serving our great city as its mayor!,” Johnson said in a social media post.

A search revealed a website domain registered at ericjohnsonfortexas.com through GoDaddy on Oct. 5, but it doesn’t list who registered it.

Open statewide seats include Texas Attorney General, with current AG Ken Paxton seeking a U.S. Senate seat in the GOP primary next spring. Additionally, after redistricting in Austin, new U.S. House maps have created a redrawn 32nd congressional district, viewed as more favorable for Republicans.

Johnson announced his switch to the Republican Party in 2023.

Matthew Wilson with SMU Political Science said speculation about what’s next for the mayor of a major U.S. city is to be expected.

“His public declaration about his party loyalties, coupled with the fact that his second term is coming to an end, may suggest he’s at least kicking around the idea of making a bid for some other office as a Republican,” Wilson said.

Dallas has only had two mayors serve eight years since 1953: Robert Thornton (1953-1961) and Mike Rawlings (2011-2019).

Tom Leppert served one term as Dallas mayor from 2007 to 2011 before running statewide in the GOP U.S. Senate primary in 2012, which Ted Cruz eventually won.

Leppert, who said he has no direct knowledge of Johnson’s future political plans, said leaving an elected office too early isn’t typically a problem he sees.

“I just look across the nation and see so many people that run second, third, fourth times, and to be frank with you, they aren’t adding any value,” Leppert said. They’re doing it just for the sake of staying in office, and I think that’s wrong.”

Johnson declined a request for an on-camera interview on Wednesday, and a spokesperson told NBC 5 that the mayor’s “response to the rumors was clear.”