El Paso State Rep. Marisa Mrquez announces retirement from Texas House

State Representative Marisa Mrquez, (D) El Paso, will not seek another term in the Texas House of Representatives.

Voters in El Paso’s State District 77 first elected Mrquez in 2008. She replaced State Representative Paul Moreno.

Mrquez touted her success in increasing government transparency, securing “historical” funding for Texas Tech and UTEP, as well as implementing statewide reforms for housing, development, and the criminal and juvenile justice systems.

This session, Mrquez became the first El Paso woman, and only the second El Pasoan since 1959, to be appointed to the Appropriations Education Subcommittee.

“My vital role in the budget process has awarded me an invaluable opportunity to bring wonderful things to El Paso,” said Mrquez in a news release. “For this, I am grateful and feel it is time to allow someone new to continue building upon these accomplishments.”

Mrquez’s accomplishments include bringing a brand new visitor center and pharmacy school to El Paso.

Mrquez will continue to serve until her term expires in January of 2017 and said she plans to remain active in Texas politics.