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Austin Councilmember Greg Casar, State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez considering runs for Congress

Casar has a team of people who are helping him explore the option. Rodriguez said he is "very seriously considering" running.

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin City Council member Greg Casar and State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) are looking into the possibility of running for Texas Congressional District 35. The pair's announcements come one day after Congressman Lloyd Doggett announced he's running for the new District 37, leaving District 35 open.

The 35th District covers East Austin to San Antonio.

Casar has a team of people to help him explore the possibility, including elected officials, labor advocates and community leaders such as former state senator Wendy Davis.

“We can win better jobs, a clean planet and an end to the Republicans’ discriminatory laws," Casar said in a statement. "We can make the world a better place if we fight for it. If we organize for it. That’s why I’m considering running for Congress – to fight for working class and everyday Texans.”  

His exploratory committee includes fellow city council members and other politicians in Austin, as well as officials from Bexar and Hays counties. 

According to a press release from Casar's press office, Casar has been a champion in changes in Austin including paid sick-day laws, reforming tax loopholes for luxury property owners, ending small marijuana arrests and citations and increasing the minimum wage for City employees and contractors.

Rodriguez told KVUE's partners at the Austin American-Statesman that he is "very seriously considering" running for the seat, one he believes should be represented by a Latino.

"I'm taking a hard look at it," Rodriguez told the Statesman. "It's an opportunity that doesn't come up very often."

Rodriguez lost a bid for the Texas Senate last year to former Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt. 

There is no word on when a decision will be made on whether Casar or Rodriguez will run for office.

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