Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons, the Democratic challenger to Republican County Judge Tim O’Hare, has a lengthy record of opposing law enforcement-related proposals during her tenure on the Commissioners Court, according to voting records verified by The Dallas Express.
The Dallas Express identified 27 instances between February 2023 and July 2026 in which Simmons voted against, abstained from or missed votes on measures, several of which that were bipartisan, involving sheriff’s equipment, law enforcement training, jail operations, immigration enforcement and public safety services.
The findings come as Simmons faces renewed scrutiny over her past actions and ongoing criticism from O’Hare ahead of the November election.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, on February 7, 2023, Simmons voted against purchasing a tactical armored vehicle, commonly known as a BearCat, for the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. The proposal passed 3-2, with Simmons and then-Commissioner Roy Brooks opposing the purchase.
Just over a month later, on March 21, 2023, Simmons cast the lone opposing vote against a memorandum of understanding between the Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations division. Commissioners approved the agreement 4-1.
Simmons also opposed a contract for multi-mission protective equipment for the Sheriff’s Office on August 15, 2023. The proposal passed 4-1.
Her opposition extended to law enforcement training facilities. In September and October 2023, Simmons opposed measures involving funding for the county’s law enforcement training academy. She voted against another training center renovation contract in December 2023 and an additional contract amendment in May 2025.
On October 17, 2023, Simmons voted against a professional services contract for renovations at the Cold Springs Jail. She also opposed accepting a forfeited vehicle for use by the Sheriff’s Office.
The following month, on November 21, 2023, Simmons voted against a compensation adjustment that would have provided a 3% lump-sum payment to certain law enforcement employees who had reached the maximum salary for their pay grade. The measure passed 3-1, with one commissioner absent.
On February 21, 2024, Simmons voted against an agreement with Fort Worth to provide law enforcement personnel for election support. She also opposed a separate measure involving the sale of Sheriff’s Office weapons and accessories.
On June 18, 2024, Simmons cast the lone opposing vote against renewing an agreement for the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement services to Edgecliff Village. The measure passed 4-1.
On July 1, 2025, Simmons voted against a countywide security guard services contract and a proposal to purchase commercial dishwashers for the Green Bay Jail.
On October 14, 2025, Simmons opposed a jail staffing services contract. She also abstained from a vote to designate a county building as the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Training Academy.
On February 10, 2026, Simmons voted against applying for state funding through the Sheriff’s Immigration Law Enforcement Grant Program. Commissioners approved the proposal 3-2.
On May 12, Simmons opposed a facility-use and fee-waiver request for a first-responder couples seminar presented by Taya Kyle.
The Dallas Express’ findings also include Simmons’ opposition to additional jail services and administrative measures, along with an abstention on countywide security guard services and her absence during a July 14, 2026, vote concerning body-worn camera policy.
The votes cover different types of county business, including equipment purchases, contract approvals, facility improvements and law enforcement partnerships. An opposing vote on an individual contract does not necessarily establish opposition to the underlying public safety service.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, O’Hare criticized Simmons over resurfaced remarks directed toward Tarrant County Elections Administrator Clint Ludwig, a Marine veteran, and her opposition to a 2023 protective equipment contract for sheriff’s deputies.
“She repeatedly attacks county staff who don’t support her false narratives,” O’Hare wrote in an X post.
O’Hare also highlighted Simmons’ remarks telling Ludwig not to mention his military service again, arguing that the exchange reflected poorly on her character.
The voting record gives voters another issue to consider as Simmons seeks to unseat O’Hare in the November election.
The Dallas Express has not received Simmons’ explanation for the individual votes discussed in this report.
Provided by Dallas Express
