State Rep. Eric Johnson on Monday asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit that would kick him and other Democrats off the November general election ballot.

The suit, brought by the Dallas County Republican Party, contends that the candidates are ineligible to be on the ballot because Carol Donovan, the chairperson of the Dallas County Democratic Party, didn't physically "sign" or certify the petitions that were ultimately accepted by the Texas secretary of state's office.

Johnson, an intervenor in the case against Donovan and the Dallas County Democratic Party, says the Texas law does not require Donovan to sign the petitions. In his suit, he contends the Texas Citizens Participation Act assures his place on the ballot, which is an exercise of free speech, protection against "meritless" or "retaliatory" lawsuits.

"This lawsuit is part of a disturbing pattern of the GOP finding problems where they do not exist, which have the effect, if not the intent, of keeping minority voters from electing the candidates of their choice," said Johnson, D-Dallas. "I pray that the court will conclude the GOP's completely baseless lawsuit should be dismissed, so I can turn my full attention back to serving my constituents."

Johnson has called the lawsuit seeking to remove the Democrats from the ballot a voter suppression strategy.

But Elizabeth Alvarez Bingham, a lawyer for the local GOP, said Monday that Johnson's filing is "frivolous" and "another long litany of accusations" directed toward Republicans so the candidates impacted can avoid holding their own political party and county chairperson accountable. She added that the Republican lawsuit does not seek to "silence or restrict Mr. Johnson's free speech.

"Once he submitted an application form that form became a government document, and as such must comply with all the rules and restrictions to run for office," Bingham said. "He's entitled to as much free speech as he wants -- but free speech doesn't get you on the ballot."

Carol Donovan, chairwoman of the Dallas County Democratic Party (far left), and Sarah Duncan, the Democratic Party lawyer, answer questions from concerned officials and candidates about a lawsuit filed by the Dallas Republican Party. (Ben Torres / Special Contributor)

Johnson's filing is one of several seeking to shoot down the case, either by the party or the candidates in limbo.

On March 6 he easily defeated former Dallas City Council member Sandra Crenshaw to win the Democratic Party nomination for House District 100. He's served in the seat since 2010, when he was elected to replace Democrat Terri Hodge, who resigned after pleading guilty to tax evasion.

Dallas County Republican Party Chairperson Missy Shorey

There were 127 candidates with petitions questioned by the GOP lawsuit, but some of those candidates were eliminated in the March 6 primary.

Before the case can be heard, a judge will consider whether state District Judge Eric Moye should preside over it. That hearing is set for March 26.

Donovan was criticized by some Democrats for her handling of the candidate petitions, but this month she easily won re-election to her post over Dallas lawyer Chris Hamilton.

Also on Monday, visiting Judge Christi Kennedy ruled against an attempt by Republicans to remove state District Judge Staci Williams from the general election ballot. Williams will face Mike Lee in the general election.

Lee, a trial attorney, challenged whether Williams, 101st District Court judge, attached the required affidavits and signatures to her petitions.