Larius Pullen Jr.

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Larius Pullen Jr.
Image of Larius Pullen Jr.
Elections and appointments
Last election

May 3, 2025

Education

High school

LV Berkner High School

Bachelor's

Stephen F. Austin State University, 2010

Personal
Birthplace
Waco, Texas
Religion
Non-Denominational
Profession
Consultant
Contact

Larius Pullen Jr. (also known as L. D.) ran for election to the Dallas City Council to represent District 10 in Texas. He lost as a write-in in the general election on May 3, 2025.

Pullen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Larius Pullen Jr. was born in Waco, Texas. He earned a high school diploma from LV Berkner High School and a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2010. His career experience includes working as a consultant.[1]

Elections

2025

See also: City elections in Dallas, Texas (2025)

General election

General election for Dallas City Council District 10

Incumbent Kathy Stewart defeated Sirrano Baldeo and Larius Pullen Jr. in the general election for Dallas City Council District 10 on May 3, 2025.

Candidate
%
Votes
Kathy Stewart (Nonpartisan)
 
92.5
 
3,544
Image of Sirrano Baldeo
Sirrano Baldeo (Nonpartisan)
 
5.9
 
227
Image of Larius Pullen Jr.
Larius Pullen Jr. (Nonpartisan) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.8
 
31
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.8
 
29

Total votes: 3,831
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Pullen in this election.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Larius Pullen Jr. completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Pullen's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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I’m Larius D. Pullen Jr., a lifelong North Dallas resident, educator, business leader, and advocate for equity. I’m running for Dallas City Council District 10 to bring new energy, real solutions, and a deep commitment to our community. I’ve overcome major health challenges, including a lifelong battle with thalassemia, and turned adversity into purpose—earning degrees, teaching students, launching businesses, and standing up for working families. I’ve worked as a construction consultant, substitute teacher, and public policy student at SMU, all while staying grounded in faith and service. Now, I’m ready to lead District 10 forward with transparency, accountability, and a vision rooted in health equity, financial literacy, affordable housing, and community development.
  • Community First, Always. I'm not a career politician—I’m a neighbor, teacher, and business owner who understands the real issues we face in District 10. I will lead with transparency, listen actively, and fight for solutions that put people before politics.
  • Equity in Action. From health to housing, economic development to education, I will champion policies that close gaps and uplift underserved communities. My life story proves that equity isn't just a buzzword—it's a necessity.
  • Empowering the Next Generation. I’m committed to bringing life skills, financial literacy, and emotional wellness into our schools and community programs so every young person in District 10 can thrive—not just survive.
I am deeply passionate about health equity, affordable housing, homelessness solutions, financial literacy, and education reform. As someone who has lived through medical challenges, economic hardship, and systemic barriers, I know these aren’t abstract issues—they’re urgent priorities. I believe local government has a duty to empower residents with tools to thrive, not just survive. That includes expanding access to quality housing, supporting small businesses, investing in mental health and wellness, and reimagining public education to include life skills, civic engagement, and career readiness. I want to ensure that North Dallas is a place where every resident, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed.
District 10 is one of the most diverse districts in Dallas—a true melting pot of cultures, languages, and life experiences. That diversity brings both opportunity and complexity. It's also home to major economic engines, including Texas Instruments and growing tech infrastructure. This makes District 10 a unique intersection of innovation, community, and family life. The councilmember for this district must be culturally competent, forward-thinking, and committed to bridging equity with opportunity.
I’ve always looked up to my grandfather—he was a pastor, a business owner, and a respected community leader. His life showed me how to lead with both heart and discipline. If I had to follow anyone’s example, it would be Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his moral clarity, strategic leadership, and relentless fight for justice through love and nonviolence.
My political philosophy is shaped by a blend of Malcolm X’s boldness, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s compassion and vision, and the moral leadership of Jesus Christ. I believe in justice with love, truth without fear, and service that uplifts the people. Each of these figures stood for transformation—standing firm against injustice while empowering people through unity, truth, and purpose.
Transparency and effective communication are essential. Elected officials must be honest about their decisions, open about how public funds are used, and accessible to the people they serve. That means not just holding town halls—but actually listening. True leadership is rooted in accountability and clarity, making sure residents are informed, included, and empowered in every step of the decision-making process. I believe in showing up, speaking plainly, and following through.
I bring resilience from overcoming adversity, a culturally diverse background, and the ability to connect across different walks of life. My strong communication skills and real-world experience as a teacher, entrepreneur, and public policy student give me a unique and grounded perspective on how to solve complex problems.
The primary responsibility is to listen to the residents and make their voices heard in city government. That means identifying gaps in services, responding to inequities, and finding solutions that improve daily life for everyone in the district. From fixing infrastructure to addressing public safety concerns to ensuring equitable development, a councilmember should be a bridge—connecting the community’s needs to meaningful action at City Hall.
I want to be remembered as someone who actually made change happen—not just someone who talked about it. I want my legacy to reflect action, empowerment, and a community that is stronger, healthier, and more united because of the work we did together.
One of the most defining moments of my childhood wasn’t a news headline—it was personal. I was 12 years old when I saved my cousin from drowning during a family reunion at a lake in Austin, Texas. That experience taught me courage, responsibility, and what it means to act in a moment of crisis.
My very first job was working as a teacher at my grandmother’s learning center, L and L Learning Center in Waco, Texas. She believed in me early and gave me the opportunity to lead and teach even as a young man. To this day, I remain a board member and continue to support the mission she started.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. It’s the best book I’ve read on financial literacy. It shifted my mindset about money, wealth-building, and how to think like an investor—and I want to pass that knowledge on to my community.
I’d be Black Panther—a king who leads with both intellect and heart, grounded in heritage and committed to empowering his people.
"Let’s Get It" by Zillionaire Doe. It’s a song that keeps me motivated, especially when I’m out on the campaign trail grinding for the people.
I’ve lived with thalassemia, a rare blood disorder, since birth. It caused serious health issues growing up—from hospital stays to shortness of breath to missing out on sports and social activities. But instead of holding me back, it taught me strength, discipline, and empathy—traits that fuel my public service.
Yes—many residents don’t realize that city council members have a direct say in how funds are allocated in the city budget, influence city zoning decisions, and appoint members to key boards and commissions that shape our neighborhoods. These responsibilities allow council members to significantly impact economic growth, housing availability, and even public health initiatives—if they choose to use their position to serve, not sit idle.
Some knowledge of government processes is helpful, but I believe the most important experience is understanding how to work with people, manage budgets, and build solutions that reflect community needs. Business experience, cultural awareness, and a deep connection to the community matter just as much—if not more—than political titles.
Strong leadership, clear communication, cultural intelligence, and strategic thinking are critical. Council members should also be skilled in negotiation, budgeting, and community organizing. Having a background in business, education, or public service helps bring practical insights into how policies affect real people.
This office is the frontline of local democracy. It’s where decisions about parks, public safety, schools, housing, and streets happen. City council members shape the daily lives of residents more than any other level of government. What makes this office unique is its proximity to the people—you’re expected to show up, speak up, and deliver results. That’s what I plan to do.
I strongly support financial transparency and open government. That’s why I plan to introduce blockchain technology into the city’s economic system. With blockchain, residents could track city spending in real time—seeing exactly where their tax dollars are going. An open ledger system will help build trust, reduce waste, and hold officials accountable. Government should work like a community checkbook—public, accurate, and accessible.

Note: 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.

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 13, 2025