State Rep. Mike Villarreal. D-San Antonio, has announced he will resign his Texas House position to run for mayor of San Antonio.
Villarreal, of House District 123, is the only person so far to formally announce intent to run for San Antonio mayor in 2015.
“That election takes place during regular legislative session," Villarreal said. "I cannot be in two places at once, so I have decided not to participate to allow somebody to replace me.”
He said decisions on hot topics, like the state’s education system, need to be in the hands of the right person.
“The next Legislature will redesign the our state’s school finance system; that is a $65 billion decision,” Villarreal said.
Villarreal is listed on the November mid-term election ballot for his House seat unopposed. If he were to withdraw his name before August 21, the 65 Democratic precinct chairs in his district would have selected a replacement. But instead, Villarreal wants the public to decide.
“I think ultimately whoever gets selected in that process will have the trust and support of the largest district," he said.
The special election would likely come in December or January at cost ranging from $80,000 to $100,000.
