Vela enters District 46 race

On Monday, attorney and Planning Commissioner Chito Vela announced that he will be running for the District 46 seat of the Texas House of Representatives. In a statement to the press, Vela said, “These are difficult days for our state and nation. Donald Trump’s election will embolden the anger, intolerance and violence that he represents. With the legislative session fast-approaching, Texas progressive Democrats need to be prepared to fight like never before. 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. The working families of District 46 need bold leadership and a hard-working progressive who won’t be afraid to stand up for our values.” District 46 encompasses parts of East Austin, Manor and Pflugerville. In the past, Vela has served as board chair of the Workers Defense Project, as an assistant attorney general in the Texas Attorney General’s office and as general counsel for a member of the Texas House of Representatives. He is currently a partner at Walker Gates Vela PLLC. Former Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole will also be running for the seat, which will be left vacant after state Rep. Dawnna Dukes (D-Austin) resigns in January.