TX State Senator Kirk Watson resigning

[NoPasaran]

Just received his email

Today, I resigned my seat in the Texas Senate to seize an extraordinary opportunity to be the Founding Dean of the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs.
I love the people of Austin and Central Texas. They’ve encouraged, supported and inspired me for decades. I thank them for their trust, for electing me Mayor and State Senator, and for allowing and inviting me, time and again, to participate and play a role in their lives. Together, we have navigated big transitions and created things that will improve the lives of Central Texans for generations. I’m proud of our many very real successes.
I have loved serving both as Mayor and in the Texas Senate.

Only a unique opportunity to serve this state — and a compelling platform for that service — would cause me to leave. This is a chance to build a world-class public affairs and policy school essentially from the ground up. It is transformative work at a creative and ambitious university, located in one of the country’s largest and most diverse cities.
The Hobby School of Public Affairs will help define and will be a leader in 21st Century public policy education. It will significantly influence and shape public affairs discussions, activities and outcomes at every level of government and across the private and non-profit sectors. It is humbling to get to help build and shape such a transformative institution. And it is thrilling to get to do it in Houston, with its far-reaching role in health care, energy, education, culture and other areas that are central to life in Texas and beyond. The city provides a tremendous point of leverage for the school’s vision — and the urgency to realize it.
University of Houston President Renu Khator is a demonstrated and extraordinary leader. I thank her and Provost Paula Short for their confidence in me. I look forward to working with them as they continue their creative, earnest and enthusiastic efforts at U. of H. — Houston and Texas are better for it.
Today, I’ve informed Governor Abbott that I’m resigning from the Texas Senate, effective midnight, April 30, 2020. My last day in office will be April 30, 2020. This should allow a reasonable amount of time before a special election and minimize the time that Senate District 14 will be without a senator. It will also give a reasonable amount of time for the next senator to prepare for the 2021 legislative session and for me to prepare to start the Fall Semester as the Founding Dean of the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston.
Again, I say thank you to the people of Austin and Central Texas for all they have given me as I undertake this exciting new public service role.

Soon to follow: Political feeding frenzy as potential candidates call in their marks.

[Gothmog]

1. I sat one row behind and a couple of seats down from Kirk at the National Convention

Kirk is a good man

[efhmc]

2. No, no, no. We need you.

[Javaman]

3. this really saddens me.

Maybe he's making way for younger Dem blood.

I shook his hand when he was Mayor. Hell of a nice guy.

[NoPasaran]

4. I thnk it it's a sensible move for him

What is to be gained by staying on in the Texas Senate? It's not like the Democrats have any chance of taking back control (unlike the slim chance we have with the House) and Dan Patrick has already said that even if we gain s seat or two he'll just change the rules to negate any advantage. Meanwhile Watson moving on opens up the chance for another one of our people moving up, likely stirring the pot to replace them in turn (assuming it's one of the state reps who gets the seat or maybe another office holder like Austin City Councilperson Greg Casar.)

[Javaman]

5. Greg represents my district. I wouldn't mind seeing him take his place. :) nt