Rep. Mark Strama, a Democrat in the Texas House of Representatives who has served in the Legislature since 2004, is going to be the head of Google Fiber in Austin.

On June 26, Strama announced his retirement as a legislator to accept the position with Google. Google Fiber Vice President Milo Medin said in April that Google Fiber's Gigabit Internet service will be about 100 times faster than what is available today, and Strama said he was excited at the chance to be a part of the initiative.

"To me, the opportunity to be on the front end of something that I think in the long run can be as transformational to society and business and people's lives as the original introduction of the Internet ... is really exciting," he said.

At first, a Gigabit Internet connection will let Web users do the same things they do now significantly faster, Strama said. He added that he was excited about the unknown opportunities that a Gigabit Internet connection would create that are not imaginable with current Internet speeds.

Strama said he was not fully aware of what his job with Google would entail as he does not start the position until July 15. Strama said the position could have an even greater effect on the region than being mayor of Austin, which he said he had previously considered running for.

"Google Fiber has the power to be even more transformational at scale," he said. "It's going to be an incredible change."

Google officials said in April that they expect the first homes to be connected to Google Fiber in mid-2014.

Strama had originally announced in February that he would not seek re-election for the District 50 seat. Shortly thereafter, two candidates announced their intent to run for his seat. A special election to fill Strama's seat will likely be held in November.

Jade Chang Sheppard announced her candidacy in April and is a board member, donor and supporter of organizations such as Planned Parenthood, Texas Lyceum and Annie's List, which is a coalition dedicated to changing the face of power in Texas politics by recruiting and supporting women candidates.

"I'm excited to run, regardless of when election day occurs. I got into this race to reignite the American dream, and that remains my goal," she said in a news release. "If anything, I have more motivation than ever to be part of the change underway in Texas after watching Sen. Wendy Davis' historic filibuster."

Chang Sheppard's opponent, community leader and political activist Celia Israel, said she congratulates Strama on his new endeavor with Google.

"While I don't claim to fill his shoes, I do claim the experience and track record in my over 30 years in Austin that is unmatched by any other candidate," she said in a news release. "From my time recruiting people to public service for Gov. Ann Richards to starting my own business, taking on leadership roles with the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, tackling complex issues like public transportation and serving at the community level on boards ranging from Gen Austin to the YWCA, I, too, am ready to continue moving Austin and Texas into the future."