Julie Johnson

Seeking the endorsement of a former rival in a fierce congressional race, U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson accused fellow Democratic Rep. Marc Veasey in a recorded conversation of “not doing a damn thing” with his safe seat.

“The thing that has always irritated me about Marc Veasey and about other campaigns and other people who have this platform is they don’t use it,” Johnson said. “They get a cushy, safe seat and then they don’t do a damn thing. And that’s never been me.”

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Johnson made the comments during a recorded conversation in March with technology executive and former primary candidate Zeeshan Hafeez that was reviewed by The Dallas Morning News.

The remarks add friction to an already tense May 26 runoff between Johnson and former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred of Dallas.

After being contacted by The News, Johnson pointed to a recent social media post praising Veasey’s leadership in Congress. “His work has strengthened our delegation and made a real difference for the people we serve,” she said in a statement.

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The recording captures an 80-minute conversation between Johnson and Hafeez about her candidacy and efforts to win his endorsement in Dallas County’s 33rd Congressional District runoff. Allred finished first in the four-person March primary, Johnson second and Hafeez fourth.

Hafeez, who has since endorsed Allred, called Johnson’s remarks about Veasey “disrespectful.”

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“This is a common theme that certain people of privilege put on people of color,” he said. “They sort of disrespect and diminish the work that they actually do.”

Veasey, who is Black, is leaving Congress when his term ends in January 2027. He declined to comment on Johnson’s remarks.

Johnson, in her Instagram post, said Veasey “has always led with integrity, courage, and a deep love for the people he serves.”

“I stand by that statement and continue to express my deep appreciation to Congressman Veasey for his service to North Texas and his constituents,” she said.

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Johnson did not back away from the broader point she made to Hafeez about the role prominent Democrats should play in helping the party compete in Texas.

“Right now, Democrats need fighters in Congress who are willing to stand up to Donald Trump and Republicans, and who will help Texas Democrats up and down the ballot win in November,” she said in a statement to The News.

Johnson, of Farmers Branch, said Democrats have a “real opportunity” and “a strong statewide ticket.”

“I’m tired of Texas Democrats who get into office and refuse to put in the work to help others,” she said. “From the top of the ticket to the bottom, every candidate should do everything possible to engage their electorate.”

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She then took a swipe at Allred. “We can’t afford for any Democrat to sit on the sidelines like Colin Allred has in the past,” she said. “Everyone has to give their all, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.”

Allred declined to comment when contacted by The News.

Veasey, first elected to Congress in 2012 after serving in the Texas House, is the longest-serving member of the North Texas delegation. He helped lead voting-rights litigation against Texas over the state’s voter ID law.

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After redistricting removed Tarrant County, his longtime political base, from Congressional District 33, Veasey opted last year against seeking another term.

With Johnson and Allred largely aligned on Democratic priorities, both candidates have spent the final stretch trying to fire up supporters ahead of a sharp turnout drop from the March primary. Because it’s a heavily Democratic district, the runoff winner is likely headed to Congress.