Citing the need to "fight" president-elect Donald J. Trump's policies and views, Democrat Jose "Chito" Vela III announced his bid for House District 46 on Monday, Nov. 14. Former Austin Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole also announced her bid for the seat, telling Community Impact Newspaper Monday she received a lot of community support and encouragement. The seat in the Texas House of Representatives will be left vacant Jan. 10 following the retirement of State Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin. Dukes was re-elected Nov. 8 with 70 percent of the votes, beating Republican Gabriel Nila, Libertarian Kevin Ludlow and Green Party candidate Adam Michael Greeley. Vela, a longtime workers' rights advocate, attorney and planning commissioner for the city of Austin, said in a news release that the working families of District 46—which encompasses East Austin, Manor and Pflugerville, need "bold leadership and a hard-working progressive who won't be afraid to stand up for our values." He said Trump's election will "embolden the anger, intolerance and violence that he presents. With the legislative session fast approaching, Texas progressive Democrats need to be prepared to fight like never before," he said. "Minority voting rights, immigrants, and the LGBT community will be under attack. Trump’s allies will renew their efforts to privatize and profit from our public schools, universities and health safety net programs. We have to fight back." Vela is the former board chair of the nonprofit Workers Defense Project and a partner at Walker Gates Vela PLLC, a law firm specializing in serving immigrants. Cole, also a Democrat, said she thought her "breadth of experience" dealing with affordability issues—especially as it relates to affordable housing, homelessness and mental health—made her suited to run for office. Cole served on Austin City Council for nine years and now owns a law firm specializing in government relations, public finance and mediation. A special election has not yet been called for House District 46. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will likely call it following Dukes' retirement in January. The 85th Texas legislative session begins Jan. 10, the day Dukes will be sworn in and then retire. The session ends May 29. The Travis County Democratic Party would not comment on any individuals who have announced their runs for House District 46.