The Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, a prominent Dallas pastor and longtime civil rights advocate, has won the race for Texas’ 30th Congressional District, succeeding U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who gave up her seat to pursue a U.S. Senate bid.
Haynes, a Democrat and senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church, defeated Republican Everett Jackson in Tuesday’s general election, keeping the district in Democratic hands.
The victory marks a new chapter for Haynes, who has spent more than four decades leading one of Dallas’ most influential Black churches. Known for his outspoken advocacy on voting rights, racial justice and economic inequality, Haynes will now carry that work into the U.S. House of Representatives.
His election also continues a tradition of Black religious leaders entering national politics, following figures such as U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia and former U.S. Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. of New York.
Haynes received Crockett’s endorsement after she decided not to seek reelection. The two have maintained a close relationship for years, with Haynes serving as both her pastor and a political supporter.
During his campaign, Haynes emphasized affordable health care, economic opportunity, housing costs and protecting voting rights. He has also called for stronger congressional oversight and greater accountability in Washington.
Haynes previously served as president and CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the civil rights organization founded by the Rev. Jesse Jackson. His leadership has extended beyond the church through decades of community organizing and advocacy for underserved communities.
He will represent a redrawn district encompassing much of southern Dallas County and portions of Tarrant County, an area with a longstanding history of Black political leadership. The district was previously represented by the late Eddie Bernice Johnson before Crockett took office in 2023.
For Haynes, the move from the pulpit to Congress represents an extension of the work that has defined his career: advocating for communities facing economic hardship, discrimination and unequal access to opportunity.
His victory adds another prominent Black faith leader to the nation’s political landscape as a new Congress prepares to convene in January.
