“I believe that I could bring a very unique background and viewpoint that is not reflected in those who are currently considering entering the race,” Metayer said. “The district is not monolithic in its viewpoints, and it’ll take someone who is well versed in the issues and concerns of the entire region to truly fulfill Kirk’s big shoes.”
Metayer currently serves in the Place 4 position on Pflugerville City Council, which he has held since November 2017. Metayer told Community Impact Newspaper he has had several people reach out to him expressing interest in his potential run following Watson's announcement.
Metayer told Community Impact Newspaper that his experience as the son of Haitian immigrants, an attorney in downtown Austin and as a council member in one of the fastest growing cities in the country have broadened his perspective—something, he said, that could translate well to the geographic and ideological diversities of the District 14 region.
District 14 includes the majority of Austin and extends southeast past Bastrop and out to Smithville. The district also extends to the western boundary of Travis County and includes Jonestown, Lago Vista and part of Leander.
“I will continue to pray, reflect and speak to my family further about the unique opportunity to serve not only Pflugerville, but the entire region before coming to a decision,” Metayer said.
As outlined in the Texas Election Code, the governor has the authority to call for a special election when there is a vacancy in either chamber of the Texas Legislature. Abbott has not yet set the date of the special election for Watson’s seat. When he does call the election, state code mandates it take place at least 36 days after the order on a uniform election date in March, May or November.
