SAN ANTONIO – Texas House District 120 has a new face after a special runoff election this week. Independent candidate Laura Thompson won by a 50-vote margin and has the seat until the 2017.
The state Legislature will not meet during her tenure, but Thompson said she has always wanted to serve as state representative, and she's ready to get to work.
"I'm very excited about it," Thompson said. "I'm ready to serve. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and just hit the ground running."
Thompson is a writer. She publishes books, writes poetry and lyrics to songs, but as a state representative, she said she knows she has a short period of time to make a difference.
Thompson’s term will expire in January, when the Legislature starts and a new representative will take over. She said that means there is a lot of work to be done.
"Time is always limited," Thompson said. "Whether it's six months or two years, but I can lay the foundation, and I’m trouble-shooter. I'm accustomed to making things happen."
Thompson said technology, small business and education are a top priority for her, but she also has the challenge of coming into a district seat that has been vacant since former State Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon resigned in January.
"I want to look and see what funding is available, what funding is still in place, what's pending, find out what's available, what projects we're working on,” Thompson said.
Thompson is waiting on word as to when she will officially be sworn in.