U.S. Rep. Gonzalez's Son To Run For Father's Post
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (CNN, April 15) - Henry B. Gonzalez won't be a voice in Congress for San Antonio after this year, and his son will try to succeed him in Congress in November.
Charlie Gonzalez won a runoff election Tuesday in the Democratic primary, defeating former city councilwoman Maria Berriozabal by a margin of 62-38 percent in a race that was hotly contested but drew a light voter turnout.
"We are just so gratified," Charlie Gonzalez said from his
boisterous campaign headquarters.
Berriozabal, who in many ways echoes Rep. Gonzalez's populist ideology and doggedly independent streak, remained upbeat.
"When you give everything, that's all you can give," she said. "There is a sense of peace and joy in having done it."
The two were the top vote-getters in a field of seven candidates in a March primary election.
Charlie Gonzalez, a former state judge, will face Republican James Walker in the fall.
Rep. Gonzalez, 81, who developed health problems last year, will not seek re-election after 36 years in the House of Representatives. He endorsed his son in Tuesday's vote.
Rep. Gonzalez was at his son's campaign headquarters Tuesday night, taking part in the celebration.
Asked if he was sad not to be on the ballot for the first time since the 1950s, the congressman said: "I feel very pleased, very happy, because I think Charlie will do a good job."
Of his eight children, Rep. Gonzalez said, Charlie "was the only one that showed the interest for this."
Reuters contributed to this report.
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