Dione Michelle Sims

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Dione Sims completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Sims' responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-389710-2026-02-08\" id=\"heading-bio-389710-2026-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-389710-2026-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-389710-2026-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-389710-2026-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-389710-2026-02-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am Dione Sims—a servant leader, community advocate, and the granddaughter of Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth. For decades, I have shown up for people on the ground—organizing, listening, and building solutions rooted in dignity and respect. As the president and founder of a non-profit focused on the work of unity, understanding and social justice an the work, I am a force for positive change developing several programs that empower the individual. A software quality development director by vocation, I’ve lead diverse teams of professionals that delivered for our clients every time. Since 2015, I’ve co-produced the Annual Juneteenth Fort Worth Celebration and engineered the Opal’s Walk campaign for national Juneteenth holiday recognition. I’ve served on several \tboards where I championed the powerful message of freedom for everybody everyday. I’m running for Congress not to represent a party, but to represent people—authentically, courageously, and truthfully—in a time that demands real change.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-389710-2026-02-08\" id=\"heading-key-message-389710-2026-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-389710-2026-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-389710-2026-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-389710-2026-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-389710-2026-02-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>People over politics. This campaign is not about red versus blue—it’s about right versus wrong, truth versus harm, and putting everyday people back at the center of our democracy. That means accountability with integrity. Leadership means showing up, telling the truth, listening deeply, and answering to the people—not donors, not special interests, not party pressure.</li><li>I’m seeking this office because I believe freedom has to show up in real life, not just in speeches, in whether one job can pay the bills, whether a family can afford healthcare, and whether our kids can dream without debt. I’ve spent my life building practical pathways through community work, workforce programs, and service rooted in faith. Now I’m ready to bring that same steady, solutions-first leadership to Congress and fight for living wages, strong public schools, and an economy that works for working people.</li><li>Nearly 250 years ago, our nation was founded on the principle that no single person should hold unchecked power. The Constitution created three co-equal branches of government to protect the people, safeguard democracy, and prevent authoritarian rule.\r\n<p>Today, that balance is under strain. The erosion of congressional oversight and the weakening of checks and balances threaten the very system that has sustained our democracy for generations.\r\n</p>\nI am running because Congress must reclaim its constitutional role. We must restore accountability, defend the rule of law, and renew the true spirit of American democracy — not only for the people of Texas’ 25th District, but to strengthen our nation’s credibility and leadership around the world.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-389710-2026-02-08\" id=\"heading1-389710-2026-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-389710-2026-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-389710-2026-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-389710-2026-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-389710-2026-02-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am passionate about protecting democracy, expanding access to affordable health care, economic dignity for working families, criminal justice reform, mental health, and safeguarding the civil and human rights that so many before us fought to secure. I care deeply about housing stability, fair wages, retirement security, and ensuring that no community—rural, urban, young, or aging—is left behind. My policy priorities are guided by lived experience, community voices, and a commitment to solutions that are both just and sustainable.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-389710-2026-02-08\" id=\"heading2-389710-2026-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-389710-2026-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-389710-2026-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-389710-2026-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-389710-2026-02-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMarc Veasey - US Representative TX-33<br/>\n<p>Nicole Collier - TX Representative HD-95<br/>\r\nRoyce West - TX Senate District 23 <br/>\r\nRoderick Miles - Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 1<br/>\r\nAlisa Simmons - Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 2<br/>\r\nDeborah Peoples - Fort Worth City Council District 5<br/>\r\nStephanie Boardingham - Mayor of Forest Hill <br/>\r\nRoy Brooks - Former Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 1 <br/>\r\nAnn Zedah - Former Fort Worth City Council <br/>\n</p>\nFort Worth Association of Federated Women’s Club\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nDione Sims completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Sims' responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am Dione Sims—a servant leader, community advocate, and the granddaughter of Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth. For decades, I have shown up for people on the ground—organizing, listening, and building solutions rooted in dignity and respect. As the president and founder of a non-profit focused on the work of unity, understanding and social justice an the work, I am a force for positive change developing several programs that empower the individual. A software quality development director by vocation, I’ve lead diverse teams of professionals that delivered for our clients every time. Since 2015, I’ve co-produced the Annual Juneteenth Fort Worth Celebration and engineered the Opal’s Walk campaign for national Juneteenth holiday recognition. I’ve served on several \tboards where I championed the powerful message of freedom for everybody everyday. I’m running for Congress not to represent a party, but to represent people—authentically, courageously, and truthfully—in a time that demands real change. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? People over politics. This campaign is not about red versus blue—it’s about right versus wrong, truth versus harm, and putting everyday people back at the center of our democracy. That means accountability with integrity. Leadership means showing up, telling the truth, listening deeply, and answering to the people—not donors, not special interests, not party pressure. I’m seeking this office because I believe freedom has to show up in real life, not just in speeches, in whether one job can pay the bills, whether a family can afford healthcare, and whether our kids can dream without debt. I’ve spent my life building practical pathways through community work, workforce programs, and service rooted in faith. Now I’m ready to bring that same steady, solutions-first leadership to Congress and fight for living wages, strong public schools, and an economy that works for working people. Nearly 250 years ago, our nation was founded on the principle that no single person should hold unchecked power. The Constitution created three co-equal branches of government to protect the people, safeguard democracy, and prevent authoritarian rule. Today, that balance is under strain. The erosion of congressional oversight and the weakening of checks and balances threaten the very system that has sustained our democracy for generations. I am running because Congress must reclaim its constitutional role. We must restore accountability, defend the rule of law, and renew the true spirit of American democracy — not only for the people of Texas’ 25th District, but to strengthen our nation’s credibility and leadership around the world. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I am passionate about protecting democracy, expanding access to affordable health care, economic dignity for working families, criminal justice reform, mental health, and safeguarding the civil and human rights that so many before us fought to secure. I care deeply about housing stability, fair wages, retirement security, and ensuring that no community—rural, urban, young, or aging—is left behind. My policy priorities are guided by lived experience, community voices, and a commitment to solutions that are both just and sustainable. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? Marc Veasey - US Representative TX-33 Nicole Collier - TX Representative HD-95 Royce West - TX Senate District 23 Roderick Miles - Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 1 Alisa Simmons - Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 2 Deborah Peoples - Fort Worth City Council District 5 Stephanie Boardingham - Mayor of Forest Hill Roy Brooks - Former Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 1 Ann Zedah - Former Fort Worth City Council Fort Worth Association of Federated Women’s Club\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Sims' campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>Immigration</b>\n</p><p><i>What is your policy on immigration?</i>\n</p><p>My immigration policy is rooted in dignity, due process, and keeping families together. I support a roadmap to citizenship for long-time immigrants, including Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, along with safe, orderly border management. I support humane asylum processing, reforming work visa programs to prevent exploitation, and protecting workers so they can report wage theft and unsafe conditions without fear.\n</p><p><b>Balance of Power</b>\n</p><p><i>How would you preserve the Constitution's checks and balances to keep the government accountable to the people?</i>\n</p><p>I will uphold the Constitution's separation of powers and defend Congress's oversight role. I will demand transparency, support strong ethics and anti-corruption laws, and oppose abuses of emergency powers that sidestep the public. I will protect an independent judiciary and fair, nonpartisan elections, because government must answer to the people, not special interests.\n</p><p><b>Constitutional Rights</b>\n</p><p><i>What is your plan to ensure Constitutional rights are protected?</i>\n</p><p>My plan is to defend fundamental civil rights for everyone, without exceptions. I will protect voting rights, equal protection, free speech, and due process, and oppose policies that target people based on race, religion, or gender. I will strengthen enforcement of civil rights laws and demand real accountability for abuses of power, because our rights are the guardrails of democracy, and families must be able to trust the law will protect them.\n</p><p><b>Economy &amp; Affordability</b>\n</p><p><i>What is your plan to address affordability?</i>\n</p><p>My plan starts with a simple truth: affordability begins with a living wage. I will fight to raise pay, protect the right to organize, and crack down on wage theft so work actually covers the cost of life. I will lower everyday costs by taking on corporate price gouging, expanding affordable housing, and reducing health care and prescription drug costs. Affordability is the foundation of the American Dream, and the promise is that one job should be enough.\n</p><p><b>Healthcare</b>\n</p><p><i>What steps would you take to ensure that healthcare is affordable and accessible for all Americans?</i>\n</p><p>I will fight to make health care affordable and accessible by strengthening the ACA, expanding Medicaid, and protecting coverage for preexisting conditions. I support lowering prescription drug costs by letting Medicare negotiate and taking on corporate price gouging. I will oppose policies that cut benefits or raise costs, and I will protect reproductive care. No family should delay care or go into debt just to stay healthy.\n</p><p><sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_2-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-2\">[2]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Dionne Sims' campaign website (2026)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-3\"><a href=\"#cite_note-3\">[3]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Sims' campaign website stated the following:\n“ Immigration What is your policy on immigration? My immigration policy is rooted in dignity, due process, and keeping families together. I support a roadmap to citizenship for long-time immigrants, including Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, along with safe, orderly border management. I support humane asylum processing, reforming work visa programs to prevent exploitation, and protecting workers so they can report wage theft and unsafe conditions without fear. Balance of Power How would you preserve the Constitution's checks and balances to keep the government accountable to the people? I will uphold the Constitution's separation of powers and defend Congress's oversight role. I will demand transparency, support strong ethics and anti-corruption laws, and oppose abuses of emergency powers that sidestep the public. I will protect an independent judiciary and fair, nonpartisan elections, because government must answer to the people, not special interests. Constitutional Rights What is your plan to ensure Constitutional rights are protected? My plan is to defend fundamental civil rights for everyone, without exceptions. I will protect voting rights, equal protection, free speech, and due process, and oppose policies that target people based on race, religion, or gender. I will strengthen enforcement of civil rights laws and demand real accountability for abuses of power, because our rights are the guardrails of democracy, and families must be able to trust the law will protect them. Economy & Affordability What is your plan to address affordability? My plan starts with a simple truth: affordability begins with a living wage. I will fight to raise pay, protect the right to organize, and crack down on wage theft so work actually covers the cost of life. I will lower everyday costs by taking on corporate price gouging, expanding affordable housing, and reducing health care and prescription drug costs. Affordability is the foundation of the American Dream, and the promise is that one job should be enough. Healthcare What steps would you take to ensure that healthcare is affordable and accessible for all Americans? I will fight to make health care affordable and accessible by strengthening the ACA, expanding Medicaid, and protecting coverage for preexisting conditions. I support lowering prescription drug costs by letting Medicare negotiate and taking on corporate price gouging. I will oppose policies that cut benefits or raise costs, and I will protect reproductive care. No family should delay care or go into debt just to stay healthy. [2] ” —Dionne Sims' campaign website (2026) [3]"}]