Lupe Valdez

In 2004, Lupe Valdez shook the political establishment in Dallas County, becoming one of the first Democrats elected countywide in many years. She was the only Latina Sheriff in the United States and one of very few LGBTQ Americans serving in public office. Prior to becoming Sheriff, Lupe worked to protect the lives and property of American citizens at home and abroad as a captain in the U.S. National Guard and as a federal agent. The daughter of migrant farmworkers and the youngest child in a family of ten — Lupe learned the value of a strong work ethic and the opportunity that comes with education. Educar para elevar, educate to elevate, are words she has lived by. She put herself through college to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Southern Nazarene University, sometimes working two jobs to pay for her education. Later, while working as a federal agent, she completed her Master’s in Criminology from UT-Arlington. As a federal agent and sometimes undercover, Lupe investigated fraud and abuse in the United States and money laundering from criminal organizations in South America. Valdez, a proven leader as Sheriff, diligently confronted deep-rooted problems that had accumulated over two decades. From tackling understaffing, overpopulation, and unsanitary conditions in the county jail to improving care for mentally ill inmates, she left a lasting impact. With an unyielding commitment, Valdez vows to build on these accomplishments and continue addressing these pressing issues when elected. By striving for cultural transformation, she aims to ensure that every individual touched by the criminal justice system is treated with unwavering respect and dignity. Electing Valdez will bring a future where progress, compassion, and meaningful change define our county’s approach to justice.