I realize this will come as a surprise to many. During the decade I spent serving my hometown in the Texas House of Representatives, I was a Democrat in a Republican-controlled Legislature. I prided myself on finding common-sense solutions and worked closely with my conservative colleagues to improve policing, public education and water infrastructure. I was never a favorite of the Democratic caucus, and the feeling was mutual. By the time I was elected mayor—a nonpartisan office—in 2019, I was relieved to be free from hyperpartisanship and ready to focus on solving problems.

But I don’t believe I can stay on the sidelines any longer. I have always tried to be honest and say what I think is right for my city. The future of America’s great urban centers depends on the willingness of the nation’s mayors to champion law and order and practice fiscal conservatism. Our cities desperately need the genuine commitment to these principles (as opposed to the inconsistent, poll-driven commitment of many Democrats) that has long been a defining characteristic of the GOP.

In other words, American cities need Republicans—and Republicans need American cities.

[Johnson is correct on both counts. I discussed this in my book Going Red, in fact. The problem is that cities need Republicans a lot more than Republicans need the cities, even if both still need each other. The disastrous monopoly on urban power that Democrats have wielded for decades drove out most conservatives and even moderates, at least those with the economic ability to relocate. And even now, when they do try to return, they get accused of “gentrification” for their attempts to revitalize urban neighborhoods. Democrats have been selling failure and grievance, and thus far, they’re still cornering the urban political markets with that approach. Johnson and Dallas are exceptions. — Ed]