Overview: Haynes Campaign Launches With Focus on Justice and Accountability
Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III officially kicked off his congressional campaign on January 12, 2026, at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Dallas. Joined by elected officials, faith leaders, and community advocates, Haynes outlined a justice-centered vision for Texas’ 30th Congressional District that emphasizes accountability, community representation, and policy solutions informed by lived experience.
Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III formally launched his campaign for Congress on January 12, 2026, during a kickoff event held at the temporary home of the Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Dallas. The event marked the beginning of Haynes’ bid to represent Texas’ 30th Congressional District and brought together a cross-section of faith leaders, elected officials, community advocates, and residents from across North Texas.
The afternoon program opened with remarks from local and regional leaders who spoke to Haynes’ decades-long presence in public life, particularly his work at the intersection of faith, civic engagement, and social justice. Speakers emphasized that his campaign is rooted in long-standing community advocacy rather than a shift toward political ambition.
Among those addressing the crowd was Byron Sanders, former CEO of Big Thought and a healthcare executive, who framed the moment as one requiring moral clarity in public leadership. Sanders characterized Haynes as a truth-teller willing to confront injustice, arguing that current political discourse often lacks accountability and conviction. He described the campaign as an effort to organize values around justice, equity, and transparency, particularly in areas such as healthcare and education.
Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons followed, sharing personal reflections on Haynes’ leadership during moments of community crisis. Simmons recounted how Haynes showed up consistently, even outside his immediate geographic base, during periods of heightened tension related to police violence and racial justice. She described his leadership style as both bold and grounded, noting that his influence has extended beyond pulpit or parish lines. Simmons told attendees that while District 30 would be the electorate responsible for choosing Haynes, his advocacy has historically been broader in scope, serving communities across North Texas.
Kirk Johnson Sr., founding chairman of the Eddie Bernice Johnson Foundation and son of the late Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, also offered remarks. Johnson referenced his mother’s long tenure representing District 30 and expressed confidence in Haynes as someone aligned with her legacy of public service. He urged supporters to view the campaign as a continuation of that work, describing the moment as one that requires collective participation and sustained engagement.
A pre-recorded message from Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett was played for attendees. Crockett acknowledged the historical significance of District 30 and the responsibility carried by those who seek to represent it, situating Haynes’ candidacy within a lineage of leadership shaped by accountability to the community.
Haynes took the stage to close the program, thanking elected officials, clergy, organizers, and family members for their support. He emphasized that his campaign is collective in nature, repeatedly noting that it is not centered on individual ambition but on shared responsibility. Drawing on the concept of “Ubuntu,” Haynes described his decision to run as grounded in community interconnectedness.
In his remarks, Haynes outlined what he described as a clear contrast between what Congress is currently doing and what it is intended to do. He criticized what he sees as a lack of accountability, the prevalence of insider interests, and repeated threats of government shutdowns that disproportionately affect working families. Haynes argued that Congress has drifted from its core responsibilities of representing constituents, passing effective policy, and serving as a check on executive power.
Positioning himself as an “outside voice,” Haynes addressed critiques regarding his lack of traditional political experience. He acknowledged that he is not a career politician but contended that decades of engagement with issues such as economic inequality, education policy, and social justice have prepared him for public office. He framed lived experience and proximity to community challenges as essential qualifications for effective governance.
Haynes concluded by formally announcing his candidacy and calling for a politics grounded in justice, which he defined as restructuring systems to better serve those most impacted by inequity. He encouraged attendees to remain engaged through organizing, volunteering, and voter outreach as the campaign moves forward.
The kickoff event concluded with opportunities for attendees to connect with campaign staff, sign up to volunteer, and learn more about upcoming outreach efforts. According to campaign organizers, Haynes for Congress plans to continue engaging voters throughout District 30 through community conversations, faith-based outreach, and grassroots organizing in the months ahead.