EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso County Attorney Jose Rodriguez is vying for a seat in the Texas Senate that will be left vacant by Senator Eliot Shapleigh.

Rodriguez announced his candidacy Sunday afternoon.

"As we all know, Senator Shapleigh has decided to step down as state Senator," said Rodriguez. "He will leave a vaccuum that must be filled. Unless we continue to fight for El Paso, we'll be forgotten."

He said Shapleigh's departure is not so much a political opportunity, but rather an obligation.

"If you consider the delegation has two new freshman as far as the house is concerned, the senate seat is extremely important for us to continue the work we've already begun," said District 77 Rep. Marisa Marquez.

Rodriguez began rallying for support Sunday. He already has backing from several local leaders who were in attendance.

"He is very fair," said El Paso County Commissioner Veronica Escobar. "He is a consensus builder. He's a strong ethical leader with a lot of integrity. He's someone I've always admired and always appreciated."

Rodriguez has served five terms as county attorney. He said if elected to the state Senate, education, job creation and tackling disparities in health care will be among his main priorities.

"I think my track record as county attorney has demonstrated I fight for this community," said Rodriguez. "And I will continue to be a strong voice for it in Austin."

Rodriguez said he will begin assembling a team, preparing an office and raising funds for his campaign on Monday.

But he will also report to work at the county attorney's office Monday. Rodriguez will fulfill his duties as county attorney until the county commissioner's court names an interim replacement. The interim will hold office until a new county attorney is elected next November.

Escobar said she expects the matter to be put on next week's county commissioners agenda to make the transition as seamless as possible.