El Paso Democrat Márquez Bows Out

State Rep. Marisa Márquez will not seek reelection after representing El Paso for four terms in the Texas House.

The Democrat announced her retirement from House District 77 in a statement on her official website, saying she would remain an active figure in state politics.

“I am truly grateful to the many people who have worked with me on the passage of important legislation for our area and to my constituency for their support over the last eight years,” she said.

Her departure brings the total number of lawmakers who have announced their retirements to 13. 

Márquez did not immediately respond to requests for comment on her departure, or whether she plans to run for another office.

First elected in 2008, Márquez was considered somewhat of an ascendant among the outnumbered Democrats in the lower chamber. She was named by House Speaker Joe Straus as vice-chair on the House Committee on County Affairs in her sophomore term in 2011, and currently sits on the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

Since first winning office, Marquez has bested her primary opponents by at least a two-thirds margin.

State Rep. Cesar Blanco, D- El Paso, who represents the neighboring district in central and east El Paso, said he had no additional information about his colleague’s sudden departure.

“I thank Marisa Márquez for her service to El Paso and I wish her much luck and success in her future endeavors,” he said.