TX State Rep. Celia Israel Plans To Run For Austin Mayor

Austin TX

29 September, 2021

1:01 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Texas State Representative Celia Israel announced last week she does not plan to rerun for her District 50th seat, but instead plans to run for mayor of Austin in 2022. Israel announced Wednesday she is ready for a "new challenge" after four legislative sessions in the Texas House of Representative and plans to run for city mayor. Israel was first elected in January 2014 to represent House District 50 in the Texas Legislature and served on the House Committee on Insurance and the House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism. Live in Austin? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone. During her time in the legislature, Rep. Israel has "championed legislation" protecting voting rights, investing in transportation infrastructure and improving safety, and supporting LGBTQ youth, according to her bio on the state's website. Today, I am announcing the formation of an exploratory committee for Mayor of Austin. This exploratory effort means I will not be seeking re-election to my seat in the Texas House. #txlege https://t.co/srfEMt0se8— Celia Israel (@CeliaIsrael) September 22, 2021 "To be clear, my commitment to this exploratory effort means I will not be seeking re-election to my seat in the Texas House," she said. "Rest assured, my staff and I will not step back from being fully present for our constituents, my colleagues in the House, and others who need our attention on the critical issues facing Texas over the next year and several months in this term." The state representative said Austin faces some real challenges, from homelessness to the affordability crisis that is pricing too many families out of the city. "If we come together and tap our city's broad base of talent, from nonprofits to neighborhood leaders to volunteers and tech entrepreneurs, I believe these are issues we can and will overcome," she said. "The heartbeat of a city is people from all walks of life working together and learning from each other." Israel said she has served the city of Austin as a member of the Environmental Board, the Police Monitor Board, a Bond Advisory Committee and the Robert Mueller Redevelopment Advisory Committee. The heartbeat of a city is people from all walks of life working together and learning from each other. That's why I'm proud that the founding core of my exploratory committee is diverse, with a broad array of lived experiences.— Celia Israel (@CeliaIsrael) September 22, 2021 She believes these voluntary positions to her committee work in the legislation prove that she is "not afraid of hard work" nor the technical challenges and coalition-building it takes to keep a city moving. "The heartbeat of a city is people from all walks of life working together and learning from each other," Israel said. "As we look to bridge divides in our city, I've charged them to take me to every corner of our city, bring constituencies and neighbors together where we can share ideas and concerns, and most importantly for me, listen." The Austin mayoral election is taking place at the same time as legislative races next year. Incumbent Mayor Steve Adler is term-limited, and Israel has been weighing a bid to succeed him, along with other potential candidates such as former state Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin.