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AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza has announced she will not seek re-election.
Garza is the first Latina to become Mayor Pro Tem and the first to serve on Austin City Council. She has been representing District 2 in southeast Austin since 2015.
Her current term ends in early 2021.
Garza's full statement is below:
“With deeply mixed emotions, I must announce that I will not be seeking re-election to the Austin City Council. Those close to me and around City Hall have known for some time that I have been leaning toward this decision for some time now."
"It has been an incredible honor to serve my community and my city. With your support, and with the help of my council colleagues, I’ve had the opportunity to lead on efforts that I know will have lasting impacts for our city. From our work on expanding access to health services and efficient public transportation, to our work on affordable housing, childcare, and criminal justice reform; the District 2 office has and will continue to make Austin a place where every family can thrive, and where everyone knows they are a valued member of our community."
"I started my service in Austin as a young firefighter, working hard to reform how public servants negotiate their pay and benefits. When I joined the grassroots campaign to build a more representative city council through the 10-1 system, I envisioned a council much like the one I’ve had the honor to serve on since 2015—younger, more diverse, more aware of the issues our working families face, and more aligned with the real progressive values this city believes in."
"Last week, I was thrilled to be recognized for that work by the Austin Chronicle as part of the Best Progressive Tag Team alongside my friend and colleague, Council Member Greg Casar. Now, with 2020 City Council races already starting, I want to give potential candidates for this seat time launch their campaigns and connect with District 2 voters."
"I know that I will always serve my community in some capacity, even after this chapter of my service ends in early 2021. With the time that remains in my term, I promise I will continue to fight for equitable services in Southeast Austin, meaningful and progressive land use reform, and a transformational public transit plan.”