Time for the week that was in Texas politics with Kiah Collier, a reporter at the Texas Tribune.
State Rep. Larry Gonzales, who had already announced he would not seek reelection, is resigning his House seat early. Collier said the Round Rock Republican is likely leaving to focus on his finances.
“I kind of get the sense that he was just tired,” Collier says. “He owns his own business. Texas lawmakers make about $7,200 per year, base salary, so it’s really difficult for some of them to also make a living while they’re serving in the legislature.”
Gov. Greg Abbott will call a special election to fill the seat, Collier says, probably on November 6, which is also general election day. The governor has already called a special election for a different Texas House seat on that date.
On a conference call with federal officials, Abbott declared that Texas is prepared for another Hurricane Harvey.
“I think some people might disagree with that,” Collier says.
Listen to the full interview in the audio player above.
