State Rep. Dawnna Dukes to Retire Due to Health Concerns

State Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin, is resigning in January, she said in a statement Monday.

The 11-term state representative said her resignation was a result of health issues related to a 2013 car accident and concerns over caring for her 9-year-old daughter.

"It is with great sadness that I announce today my resignation from my seat in the Texas House of Representatives effective midnight January 10, 2017," Dukes said in a statement. "My resignation is the result of injuries I suffered as the result of a car crash in August 2013 and the health complications stemming from said injuries."

Dukes' name will still be on the November ballot, and if she beats Republican Gabriel Nila, Gov. Greg Abbott could call a special election to fill her vacant seat. The next legislative session begins Jan. 10.

Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2016/09/26/dawnna-dukes/