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A VOICE THAT WON'T BE SILENCED!
Alisa Simmons’ journey to the Tarrant County Commissioners Court didn’t begin with political ambition—it began with a conviction that when systems fail people, someone must speak out. For more than a decade as president of the Arlington NAACP, she stood in the trenches: demanding answers when schools put children at risk, pressing city officials after unjust police shootings, and mobilizing communities to push back against voter suppression.
That same fire carried her to county office, where in 2022 she became the third black woman elected to serve as a Commissioner—not with big money, but with big courage and grassroots grit. The victory sent a clear message: Southeast Tarrant County wanted a commissioner who would fight as fiercely in government chambers as she had in community halls.
And fight she has. In her first term, Simmons has become known as the commissioner who doesn’t shrink from confrontation when democracy, equity, or dignity are at stake. When new redistricting maps threatened to dilute Black and Latino representation, she didn’t just register her dissent—she sounded the alarm, calling the plans discriminatory and preparing for the courtroom battle ahead.
When colleagues tried to water down her proclamation honoring social workers—scrubbing out references to race, gender, gun violence, and immigration—Simmons stood firm. “I am 100% not amenable to amending or editing my proclamation,” she declared, holding her ground against efforts to sanitize the truth.
And when the county judge dismissed her in open court with a patronizing “be quiet,” Simmons’ retort—“You don’t tell when to speak”—cut through the chambers, echoing far beyond government walls. It was more than a clapback. It was a reclamation of voice, dignity, and respect for her office—and for every community she represents.
Through it all, Simmons has made her purpose clear: to serve the people with transparency, equity, and courage. She is not a politician who bends to pressure; she is an advocate who bends power toward the people it too often forgets.
From newsroom journalist, to 9-1-1 public safety leader, to entrepreneur and now county commissioner, Simmons’ career has never followed the safe or easy path. But every step has prepared her for this role: to be the bold, relentless voice Southeast Tarrant County deserves.
Because in Commissioner Alisa Simmons’ court, silence is never an option.
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