'You can't say that to a woman in 2024': Texas judge's words called racist, misogynistic

Speakers during the meeting criticized Betz’s conservative political record, calling it an ethical violation and misuse of taxpayer dollars for O’Hare to hire him. After Simmons shared her concerns about the contract, O’Hare questioned Simmons about whether her X (formerly Twitter) account is political in nature.

At one point, as they were both talking, O’Hare told Simmons, “I’m the one talking now, so you’ll sit there and be quiet and listen to me talk.”

“Don’t tell me when and when not to talk,” Simmons responded. “This is my court too.”

The contract passed with a 3-2 vote along party lines, with Simmons and fellow Democrat Roy Brooks voting against the contract.

Gwen Johnson, who attended Thursday’s news conference, said O’Hare would not have made those comments to Simmons if she was a white woman. His “toxic” behavior should show people he needs to be voted out office, Johnson said.

“Every woman in Tarrant County ought to be upset with this man’s comments,” Johnson said. “Whether white, Black, it doesn’t matter. They should be upset.”

Salvador Carrillo, director of the League of United Latin American Citizens District 21 in North Texas, released a statement to the press after Thursday’s news conference condemning O’Hare’s actions, which he called “borderline racist, certainly misogynistic, and bullying behavior ... “

Carrillo said Simmons’ questions about the contract were justified and necessary based on O’Hare’s history.

“However, Mr. O’Hare’s actions reveal who he is and how he treats those who do not fit his myopic views,” Carrillo said in the prepared statement. “His degrading and demeaning behavior will no longer be ignored.”

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(Starr writer Noah Alcala Bach contributed to this report.)

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