EL PASO, Texas -- Hours after State Sen. Eliot Shapleigh announced he would not seek reelection, names are circulating as to who will take his seat in District 29.

"I think you know when the time is right to make a change and now is the time to make that change," Shapleigh told reporters Friday.

"While other public service may lie ahead, I will not run for the Texas Senate in 2010," said Shapleigh, who has served El Paso since 1996.

As for why he's leaving, Shapleigh only said that he has accomplished what he has needed to in the State Senate. Shapleigh didn't announce his future plans, but his words had tongues wagging Friday night.

"Shocking news, but kind of exciting," said El Paso County Commissioner Dan Haggerty.

Some wonder what Shapleigh’s next move will be and who will fill his shoes.

"We're probably looking at somebody who's fairly well know in the community and has at least some record of public service," said Gregory Rocha, a political science professor at University of Texas at El Paso.

And later this evening, the cloudy picture as to who take Shapleigh's place got a little clearer. El Paso County Attorney Jose Rodriguez said he is interested in running for District 29.

"I am qualified for this kind of position," Rodriguez said at a news conference Friday evening.

He said in the next 30 to 60 days he will form an exploratory committee to monitor the public’s support should he decide to officially run for the District 29 seat.

"Well I got a lot of calls. The phone has been lighting up like a Christmas tree from friends, who as soon as they heard that Senator Shapleigh was not running, calling me urging me to consider," said Rodriguez.

He said one of those phone calls was from State Sen. Juan Hinojosa D-McAllen, Texas. Rodriguez has served as county attorney for the past 17 and half years.

As for Republican contenders, former State Representative Pat Haggerty's name has come up.

"They have asked me if my brother Pat would consider running,” said County Commissioner Dan Haggerty. "I asked him and he goes, 'I don't now what I'm going to do.'"

Pat Haggerty was defeated by Dee Margo in the Republican primary for District 78 State Representative. Joe Moody won that seat in the 2008 election.

But no matter who takes over, Shapleigh leaves this advice.

"Work hard, be honest, do well," Shapleigh said.