A Dallas County district judge has ruled in favor of the State Fair of Texas and the City of Dallas in a legal dispute over the fair’s decision to prohibit firearms on its grounds — a case brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and backed by dozens of Republican lawmakers.
The decision from Judge Emily Tobolowsky of the 298th District Court came this week when she denied a motion for summary judgment filed by the Texas Attorney General’s Office. The ruling came without a written explanation, but it effectively ends Paxton’s legal challenge to the fair’s no-guns policy — at least at the trial court level.
The case stems from a policy instituted by State Fair officials in 2024 that banned all firearms — including concealed carry — from the fairgrounds. The move followed a shooting at the 2023 fair in which a man opened fire, injuring several people. That man, Cameron Turner, recently pled guilty to aggravated assault and unlawfully carrying a weapon in a prohibited place. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Citing public safety concerns, fair organizers said the policy was enacted in partnership with the Dallas Police Department. In a statement released after the court's decision, the State Fair said it was “pleased with the outcome and expectant conclusion to this litigation.”
“The State Fair takes no political position on the complex issues related to the lawful carrying of firearms in Texas,” the statement read. “Our number one priority is the safety of our fairgoers, vendors, volunteers, and staff, and we will continue to work with DPD to create a safe and secure environment.”
The decision comes after a lengthy back-and-forth between Paxton and the fair’s leadership. Following the ban, Paxton rescinded a 2016 legal opinion that had previously allowed nonprofit organizations like the State Fair to restrict firearms under certain conditions. He then filed a lawsuit against the fair, the City of Dallas, and city officials, claiming the gun ban violated Texans’ constitutional rights and the state’s 2021 “constitutional carry” law.
The legal fight made its way through multiple courts. Paxton’s request for a temporary injunction was denied by both the 15th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Texas Supreme Court, which noted that “this Court cannot possibly order the State Fair to allow handguns to be carried at this year’s Fair when the party seeking that relief does not even argue that Texas law obligates the Fair to do so.”
Over 70 Republican lawmakers had also urged the State Fair to reverse the ban, arguing it infringed on gun rights. However, the courts repeatedly upheld the fair’s authority to regulate firearms on its property, which operates as a private nonprofit on leased city land.
The ruling from Judge Tobolowsky effectively puts the matter to rest, unless Paxton chooses to appeal yet again.
For now, State Fair organizers say they’ll maintain their focus on safety.
“We’re grateful for the continued support of law enforcement and look forward to welcoming Texans back to the fairgrounds this fall,” the fair’s statement concluded.
