September 26, 2016 6:10 AM

Rep. Dawnna Dukes to retire

“…in light of my ongoing health issues and concerns, I find that I can no longer provide the active, effective leadership that is needed to continue my sworn duties."

Eleven-term State Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin, tells Quorum Report that due to persistent issues related to her August, 2013 car accident, she will be resigning her Texas House seat effective January 10, 2017.

Although her name remains on the 2016 ballot, the resignation will require the Governor to call a special election to fill the seat for the next session.

Dukes told QR that multiple recent visits to the emergency room combined with a more serious evaluation of her condition from physicians has forced her to re-evaluate her situation. Dukes said this was going to be her last session in any case but concerns over her caring for her nine-year-old daughter prompted the decision.

By Harvey Kronberg