Watson, who announced Feb. 18 that his last day as a state senator would be April 30, is retiring from state politics to become the founding dean of the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs. Watson has held the seat since 2006. Watson’s current term is set to expire in 2023, so a special election will be needed to fill the seat and complete the term.
Casar said he may enter the race. The 30-year-old is in the final year of his first full four-year term on Austin’s City Council. He previously served a two-year term on City Council from 2015 through 2016 before getting elected in 2016 to serve through 2020.
Casar told Community Impact Newspaper in a text message that he appreciated Watson’s service and thinks he could now provide the progressive leadership the seat needs.
“I’m seriously considering a run for the seat,” Casar said. “Now, more than ever we need new, unapologetic, and progressive leadership in the Senate to take on [Lt. Gov.] Dan Patrick and [Gov.] Greg Abbott.”
District 14 includes almost all of Austin and stretches southeast to beyond Bastrop and out to Smithville. The district stretches to the western boundary of Travis County and includes Jonestown, Lago Vista and part of Leander.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
