‘Hello, Ben’ gets political as lawyer lays groundwork for possible Dallas mayor bid

Personal injury lawyer Ben Abbott has spent years building one of Dallas’ most recognizable legal brands through catchy TV commercials. Now he’s using a new series of ads to reintroduce himself as a community leader ahead of a possible run for mayor.

While the latest television spot includes the signature line, “Hello, Ben,” after a familiar jingle, most of the ad is devoted to Abbott making the case that he’s ready to lead Dallas.

Abbott has not officially announced he’s running, though he’s making the rounds seeking support. He said the advertising campaign is intended to reshape his public image from trial lawyer to city advocate, even describing it as a “media stunt.”

He said he believes Dallas wants a more engaged, hands-on approach focused on solving the city’s biggest challenges.

“It’s technically a law firm ad,” Abbott said in an interview. “Obviously, it’s posturing to change from Ben the lawyer to Ben the community leader.”

The commercials are the first phase of a broader media effort that will include radio, newspaper and digital advertising.

Abbott is one of several prominent figures weighing a run for mayor in the November 2027 election to replace Mayor Eric Johnson, who will leave office because of term limits.

Former Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa is expected to announce his mayoral candidacy as early as this week.

Abbott has been considering a run since at least 2023, when he said he became increasingly disenchanted with Johnson and the city’s direction.

Business leaders have taken notice of the emerging field, and some are looking to rally behind one candidate. It’s more likely, however, that their support will be split. 

Abbott is betting his name recognition, along with his attempt to broaden his public image, will give him an advantage.

While the ads are clearly campaign-related, they don’t appear to violate any city laws or election guidelines.

The ad now running across media platforms features an intern at Abbott’s firm asking, “Who is Ben Abbott?”

Abbott answers that he’s a husband, father and scoutmaster who has “created jobs and solved problems for people across Dallas.”

“Leadership means showing up, listening and getting results,” he says, with an image of City Hall in the background. “Dallas deserves leadership that works as hard as the people who live here.”

“Sounds like what Dallas needs,” the intern replies.

Abbott said more ads will begin later this month and continue through October. 

Then, in November, the media campaign will switch to issues facing Dallas, including the city’s multimillion-dollar budget shortfall, the Stars’ departure, the Mavericks’ planned move from downtown and the future of the Dallas Wings.

“I’ve been active in the community,” he said. “It’s just putting my thoughts out there.”

Though the ads are likely a prelude to a mayoral bid, Abbott said he isn’t using any political consultants or campaign operatives, at least not yet.

“It’s just me and the interns,” he said.

Abbott has other housekeeping matters, such as moving from Highland Park into the Dallas city limits.

He said he’ll be in a new Preston Hollow home by December, which would satisfy the residency requirement to run for mayor.

Abbott said his ties to Dallas stretch back decades. When he first arrived, he had $40 in his pocket and lived in a motel at Buckner Boulevard and Interstate 30. He took a bus downtown to his job.

“I am truly from the mud,” he said.