Rosie Castro, matriarch of the Castro Family, announced Tuesday, Jan. 17, that she was seeking the unexpired term of Councilwoman Ana Sandoval for District 7 in San Antonio, Texas. 

The civil rights activist’s announcement came hours after Sandoval, who was first elected in 2017, announced her resignation earlier that same day, citing growing personal obligations. 

The Councilwoman's last day will be Sunday, Jan. 29, with Castro looking to take over for the final four-and-a-half months of her term. Sandoval addressed the matter in a video and letter posted on her website, directed at her constituents. 

As a new mother to a seven-month-year-old, she cited that she wanted to prioritize her family. 

“I have made the difficult determination that I cannot do both right now, and that it is in the best interest of both for me to step down,” Sandoval said. 

Sandoval will also be starting a new position with the University Health System’s research division on Jan. 30, the Monday following her final day as a councilwoman. 

Castro, the mother of Joaquin Castro, U.S. Democratic Representative for Texas's 20th District since 2013, and Julián, the youngest member of former President Barack Obama’s cabinet, serving as the 16th U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2014 to 2017, said that she would not seek a full term in May. 

"If appointed in February, over the next few months I will do my best to ensure that our community moves forward toward a place where all neighborhoods can thrive and each person can reach for their dreams," Castro said. "...I love our city, and I want to help make sure we don't miss a beat this spring."

Castro, 76, has spent a lifetime serving the public, which has not only informed the two brothers to pursue a career of their own in the field, but as well as qualify her for this vacant position. 

She is involved in a number of national organizations, such as the Young Democrats of America, the Mexican American Youth Organization, the Committee for Barrio Betterment, and the Raza Unida Party. Castro also previously ran for San Antonio City Council back in 1971, where she finished second in a pool of four. 

This was during a time where Castro was heavily involved politically during the turmoil of the 1970’s. She worked with the Raza Unida Party’s initiative to field Mexican-American candidates in the Lone Star State, serving as the Bexar County party chair. There, she worked alongside the San Antonio Committee for Barrio Betterment, CBB, seeking city positions. 

With that organization is where Castro found herself as a candidate for the San Antonio City Council. She was also involved with the “Free Angela Davis” protests of 1971. 

Castro will surely have the support of her sons, Joaquin and Julián. 

“Proud son moment. My mom @castrocountry has a passion for public service, great knowledge of local issues, and tremendous integrity. She’d do an excellent job,” Julián tweeted.