Ahead of the June 8 runoff, The Dallas Morning News took in-depth looks at the lives and political careers of the two mayoral candidates, Eric Johnson and Scott Griggs.

Here is what you need to know.

Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson, the determined youngster from West Dallas, who went on to earn three Ivy League degrees, is now a Democratic state representative and the man who could become Dallas' next mayor with help from the city's big-business elite, former mayors and other prominent civic and political leaders.

Johnson says he has the experience to lead and that his humble but loving periods in West Dallas and Oak Cliff will give him a perspective unlike any past mayor.

Read more about Johnson here.

Scott Griggs

Avid chess player Scott Griggs — an often unassuming presence who has a combative side — has been deeply involved in some of Dallas' biggest political debates in the past eight years, such as the Trinity River toll road and the police and fire pension system crisis.

Critics say that Griggs often takes more credit than he deserves and that his tactics are divisive. But Griggs has said he has been unifying on tough issues and has met resistance sometimes when he pushes for accountability.

Read more about Griggs here.