Abbott Will Pick Susan Hawk's Replacement as Dallas County DA

^{Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional comment.}

After struggling with mental illness, including three admissions at psychiatric treatment centers, Republican Susan Hawk stepped down from her position as Dallas County District Attorney on Tuesday. 

"It is with a heavy heart that I must tender my resignation as Dallas County District Attorney," Hawk said in her resignation letter to Gov. Greg Abbott. "It's been an honor and a privilege to serve this office and the citizens of Dallas County, but my health needs my undivided attention."

The resignation comes after the Aug. 26 deadline to put another candidate on the ballot for the office in November, according to the Secretary of State’s office. That means Abbott gets the chance to appoint Hawk’s replacement in a Democratic county that voted against him for governor in 2014. Her replacement will serve through 2018, the remainder of her term.

“Upon receipt of Susan Hawk’s resignation letter, the Governor’s Appointments Office will begin accepting applications and will take the appropriate time to ensure the replacement is the best suited to serve the citizens of Dallas County," a spokesman for the governor's office said.

According to Hawk's letter, her office secured more than $2 million in grant funding to support additional resources in Sexual Assault and Family Violence units. 

Hawk defeated two-term incumbent Democrat Craig Watkins in 2014.

Since Hawk took office in January 2015, she has sought treatment for depression and mood disorder three times, the Dallas Morning News reported. Hawk stepped back into the office after her last treatment from an Arizona clinic on Aug. 11, three weeks before she officially resigned from her position. 

According to the Dallas Morning News, Hawk worked 66 days at the courthouse on 2016 and 79 percent of possible weekdays on 2015, her first year in office. 

"The office is running better than ever, and it's my hope that this team can stay together and move forward seamlessly with a new leader," Hawk said.