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U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela will resign early from Congress

The South Texas Democrat announced last year that he wouldn’t seek reelection. He’s leaving early to take a job at a law firm.

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U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, attends a roundtable discussion on unaccompanied minor shelters in Brownsville on June 18, 2018.
U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, will leave before the end of his term to work for Akin Gump, a prominent law and lobbying firm. Credit: REUTERS/Callaghan O'Hare

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WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela confirmed Thursday he will resign from Congress in the coming weeks, a decision that comes after he announced last year he would retire from the House.

The South Texas Democrat will leave before the end of his term to work for Akin Gump, a prominent law and lobbying firm.

The Washington-based publication Punchbowl first reported the news Thursday morning, and the Brownsville Democrat confirmed it to The Texas Tribune.

That development will set off a unique special election to replace him. His 34th District is based in Brownsville.

His close friend, U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, announced last year after redistricting that he would run for Vela’s seat in the wake of Texas redistricting. He currently represents the neighboring 15th District based in McAllen.

Correction, : A previous version of this story stated that Politico first reported Filemon Vela's resignation. It was the Washington-based outlet Punchbowl.

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Abby Livingston’s staff photo

Abby Livingston

Washington Bureau Chief

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Congress Politics Filemon Vela