Who, me?

Travis County Democratic Party Chair Vincent Harding is not running for the House District 46 seat that will soon, probably, be empty. Though Harding told several news outlets in December that he was considering a run, a statement to the press released Wednesday made it clear that was no longer the case. “Over the past few months, I have received an outpouring of support from elected officials, neighborhood pillars, business leaders, labor champions, social justice activists, Precinct Chairs, members of the clergy, and so many more people urging me to run for State Representative HD 46. I am completely humbled by their support and trust, but after much prayer and discussion with my wife and family, I will not pursue running for State Representative HD 46 for this legislative session,” he wrote. “While I may not be pursuing a run for HD 46 in this legislative session, I hope to be a strong advocate at the Capitol again this year to help bring about policy changes and raise the awareness of very important issues. More important for me than holding political office or advancing my own political future is public service and integrity. My faith taught me that.” Current Rep. Dawnna Dukes, who is currently under investigation for corruption, has said that she will resign on Jan. 10 due to health concerns. Jan. 10 is the first day of the new legislative session, and after Dukes resigns, Gov. Greg Abbott has 20 days to call a special election. Even though that election has not been called, several candidates have already announced their intention to run. At the moment, the field includes: former Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole; attorney and former chair of the Workers Defense Project Chito Vela; local attorney Adam Reposa; and Dukes’ Republican opponent during November’s general election, Gabriel Nila.