Dallas community advocate Lorraine Birabil has launched a campaign to replace outgoing state Rep. Eric Johnson, becoming the first of what's expected to be a large field of contenders.

She told The Dallas Morning News that it's critical for lawmakers to help develop criminal justice reform, access to affordable health care and quality public schools.

"This district has been home for me, and I know it's important that we have opportunities for all," Birabil said. "When we address these impediments, every Texan will be able to reach their full potential."

The elected leaders backing Birabil include U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, County Commissioner John Wiley Price and Dallas County Clerk John Warren.

"Over the next several weeks, I will be talking and meeting with my neighbors in every part of House District 100 to hear their concerns and share our goals to make our district safer, stronger and healthier than ever," Birabil said. "I am thrilled and honored by the early support and formal endorsements our campaign has already received and will work diligently to earn the trust and support of every voter across District 100."

Birabil won't have the field to herself. The race to replace Johnson, who won Saturday's runoff for Dallas mayor, is expected to be highly competitive.

At least 11 people have expressed interest or have been mentioned as possible candidates to fill his unexpired term in the Texas House.

That number could grow by the time Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sets a special election, presumably in November, to fill Johnson's seat.

"People are interested in being involved," said state Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas. "The fact is, a state representative seat doesn't come open that often."

Johnson has not resigned, and Abbott has not indicated when or if he'll call a special election.

West said he hopes he does.

"The district should not go without representation," West said. "All residents of Texas have the right to be represented."

West said Speaker Dennis Bonnen could call on House members to participate in committee hearings in between legislative sessions.

District 100, which Johnson has represented for nine years, is a safe seat for Democrats and includes parts of West Dallas, southern Dallas and East Dallas.

If there is a November election, it would be followed by a December runoff. In March, there will be a primary election for the term that starts in 2021, the next year with a legislative session in Austin.

The contenders to succeed Johnson are from varied backgrounds.

Birabil was a state outreach director for El Paso Democrat Beto O'Rourke's 2018 Senate campaign and a former aide to U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth.

Small business owner Daniel Clayton is also running for the seat. He worked for West and is a former chief of staff for state Rep. Toni Rose, D-Dallas. He lost a 2012 campaign for Dallas County commissioner to Theresa Daniel.

"I have a unique perspective on schools and education," he said. "I know how things work. I know everything about the legislative process."

Others are expected to join the race but have not started campaigning.

James Armstrong III, president and CEO of a nonprofit community development organization called Builders of Hope, says he has a good working relationship with Johnson. The West Dallas minister is also Mayor Mike Rawlings' appointee to the Dallas Housing Finance Corporation.

"There's a need for a new way to approach working on legislation in Austin," Armstrong said, adding that his knowledge of local issues gives him a boost. "I've been working closely with the representative for five years."

Dallas lawyer Paul Stafford said he will join the race when Johnson resigns and if a special election is called. In 2014, Stafford lost the northwest Dallas County-anchored District 115 to Republican Matt Rinaldi.

Communications consultant Lucy Cain also said she's running to replace Johnson.

Dallas lawyer and former City Council candidate Dominique Torres said she's considering a campaign, and so is Abel Mulugheta, the chief of staff for state Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas.

Other potential candidates include Dallas ISD trustee Justin Henry and Dallas lawyer Jasmine Crockett. They didn't return phone calls about the prospect of running to replace Johnson.

Former Dallas City Council member Sandra Crenshaw, whom Johnson defeated last year, could also be a candidate. And then there's a possibility council member Kevin Felder will mount a campaign. He failed to make the runoff in his bid for reelection, losing the seat to teacher Adam Bazaldua.