Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon

Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon

Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon (D-San Antonio) announced she would resign effective Sunday. McClendon has represented the district since winning a 1996 special election. She announced in September that she would not seek re-election. In recent years, she has battled lung cancer and, this session, she often had to use a wheelchair.

Six Democrats and one independent filed for her open seat, and all or part of that field would be likely candidates for a special election to fill her unexpired term.

Bexar Co. voters have selected new legislators via special elections in SD26, HD118 (tonight), HD123 and HD124 in the last 12 months. Gov. Greg Abbott will set the date for the special election.