State Sen. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, has announced he is stepping down from office. The senator sent letters to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott announcing his resignation.
“After 22 years of service, I think it’s time for me to step down and again close this chapter in my book and focus on my personal matters and not let that be a distraction leading into the next legislative session,” Uresti said.
I have been blessed to serve the great State of Texas for 22 years. I met with so many good people to do all I could to help make peoples' lives better. With a heavy heart, I must now formally announce my resignation effective June 21, 2018. Please see my full announcement below. pic.twitter.com/qGho06t9Zt
— Sen. Carlos Uresti (@CarlosUresti) June 18, 2018
In February, a federal jury in San Antonio convicted Uresti on 11 felony charges, including securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
Senate colleagues urged Uresti to resign immediately following his conviction, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, barred Uresti from serving on any Senate committees.
In April, Uresti surrendered his law license of 25 years.
Then, this week, Uresti sent letters to both Patrick and Abbott, announcing he was stepping down to focus on his personal life and ongoing criminal charges.
Uresti could face eight to 12 years in federal prison, and he still faces a separate set of fraud and bribery charges in a second trial set for October.
Uresti's letter asked Abbott to hold a special election in November for his Senate seat.
Ryan Poppe can be reached at rpoppe@tpr.org or on Twitter @RyanPoppe1
