Longtime Democratic activist and attorney Lulu Flores announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Texas House District 51 on Thursday, following incumbent Rep. Eddie Rodriguez’s announcement that he would seek to represent the newly redrawn Congressional District 35. Flores, 66, pledged to fight for affordable housing, protection of historic neighborhoods, better wages and benefits, and “for the rights of everyone.” Her website is in the building process, but supporters can sign up at elect.lulufor51.com. Rodriguez has served in the Texas House since he was first elected in 2002. He will face Council Member Greg Casar, as well as a number of other candidates, in the March 1 Democratic primary. Casar officially announced his candidacy on Wednesday, triggering a new election for his District 4 Council seat, which is likely to coincide with the Democratic primary. The new redistricting maps are facing several legal challenges, as is the new law restricting voting signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. The U.S. Justice Department filed suit challenging that law on Thursday.
Jo Clifton is the Politics Editor for the Austin Monitor. More by Jo Clifton