> At a Glance
> – Demondre Montgomery, 27, wants to run for Dallas County Constable, Precinct 3
> – Incumbent Henry Curry claims Montgomery lacks the required peace-officer license
> – Judge Charles Stokes will decide only if Montgomery meets ballot-eligibility rules, not job qualifications
> – Why it matters: The Jan. 12 ballot-finalization deadline looms and nearly 60 local candidates face similar challenges
A 27-year-old hopeful’s campaign to unseat the Precinct 3 constable has landed in court, where the core question is whether he can even appear on the March ballot.
Courtroom Showdown
Henry Curry, who beat Montgomery by fewer than 100 votes in 2022, argued Tuesday that state law bars his rival because Montgomery does not hold a peace-officer license.
> “We need someone in place who is going to uphold the law, who is going to abide by the law – and who can actually hold this office,” Curry told News Of Fort Worth.
Curry added that Montgomery “can’t obtain that certification within the mandated 270 days,” raising doubts about his ability to serve.
Party Stance and Past Cases
The Dallas County Democratic Party maintains that Montgomery satisfies the basic candidacy requirements:
- Over 21
- Holds an associate’s degree
- No felony convictions
An attorney for the party told the court it would accept whatever ruling emerges.
Separately, Montgomery has tangled with the law:
- 2021: Charged with impersonating a public servant in East Texas; acquitted by a jury in 2024
- October 2025: Received misdemeanor deferred adjudication in Ellis County after applying for constable license plates
Montgomery says he filed a federal suit related to the 2021 charge and emphasizes transparency with voters.
> “I went through the case in Smith County, it took over four years to get an acquittal, so it’s nothing that happens overnight, but it will be worth it at the end,” he said.
What’s Next
Judge Stokes did not rule from the bench but signaled the scope is narrow: ballot placement only. The Texas Secretary of State must lock in names by Jan. 12. Early voting for the March 3 Democratic primary starts Feb. 17.
By the Numbers
| Metric | Count |
|---|---|
| Eligibility challenges filed locally this cycle | ~60 |
| Ballot-finalization deadline | Jan. 12, 2025 |
| Days until early voting starts | About 6 weeks |
Key Takeaways
- The lawsuit targets Montgomery’s ballot access, not ultimate job qualifications
- Nearly five dozen other local hopefuls face eligibility objections
- Montgomery pledges to pursue peace-officer certification if elected
- A swift court decision is expected to meet state election deadlines
The outcome will determine whether Montgomery can campaign in earnest or watch from the sidelines as Curry seeks another term.
