District 4 Austin City Councilman Greg Casar announced Thursday his intent to run for higher office. Earlier in the year, following the redrawing of district maps by the state legislature, Casar said he was seriously considering making a run for HD 35, which is currently occupied by longtime democrat Lloyd Doggett. But with Doggett’s recent announcement of his intent to run for the newly drawn HD 37, the door has been opened for Casar to make his plan official.
“A better world is possible, if we fight for it. Organize for it,” said Casar via Twitter. “That’s why I’m running for Congress. To stop the attacks on working Texans. To win Medicare For All, good jobs, affordable housing, & a strong democracy.”
Casar’s decision to officially run for Congress will require him to step down from his role as the councilman for District 4 — a seat he has held since the inception of the 10-1 city council in 2014. Casar said his plan is to remain with the council until a replacement is selected. Determining who will carry out the remainder of his term will require a special election to be conducted within 120 days.
Whichever candidate is ultimately selected during the special election will serve District 4 through 2025, which is when Casar’s current term is set to expire.
