Houston Democrat Jessica Farrar to retire from Texas House

by Cassandra Pollock, Texas Tribune


State Rep. Jessica Farrar, a Houston Democrat who has served in the Texas House for over two decades, is retiring from the lower chamber at the end of September.

“I want to thank my constituents and the people of Texas for the high honor and privilege of representing them in the Texas Legislature these last 25 years,” Farrar said in a statement Friday. “My time in public service has provided me the opportunity to serve my state and community in ways for which I will forever be grateful.”

Farrar, an attorney first elected to the lower chamber in 1994, represents House District 148, which covers parts of northern and western Houston. The district has historically been a safe seat for Democrats.

In her statement, Farrar called her decision to retire a "very difficult and emotional decision" — and said her constituents "will always be deep in my heart."

An early departure, Farrar said, would allow for her successor to take office and "hit the ground running" ahead of the 2021 legislative session. She called on Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special election for her seat on Nov. 5, the same day as Houston municipal elections, "to afford the most robust voter turnout at the least taxpayer expense."

Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2019/08/16/Jessica-Farrar-retire-Texas-House/