Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr.: A 'giant' of the Texas Legislature retires.

HARLINGEN, Texas - After 50 years of public service, 35 of them the in Texas Legislature, state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., has announced his retirement.In the company of family, friends and dignitaries from his across his district and Austin, Sen. Lucio, D-Brownsville, broke the news at his Harlingen district office. “Today I announced my retirement from the Texas Senate at the end of my current term,” Lucio said. “I am grateful for every person who has ever supported us, challenged us, and most importantly, fought alongside me for the benefit of Senate District 27. My office remains committed to continuing to serve our constituents over the next year.”Lucio added: “Serving in the Texas Legislature has been the greatest honor of my life — thank you to my community for the opportunity.”Lucio is currently the third longest serving lawmaker in the Texas Senate. In addition to serving for 18 legislative sessions in Austin, Lucio was also a Cameron County Treasurer and a Cameron County Commissioner. Before this he was a teacher in Brownsville. State Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, the senator’s son, introduced Sen. Lucio at the news conference. Rep. Lucio recently announced he would not be running for re-election.“Congratulations, Dad on 35 years of work in the Texas Legislature. I had a front row seat and watched you serve with great passion,” Rep. Lucio said. “All good things must come to an end. I am proud of you.”Rep. Lucio said his father worked on issues that he was passionate about and which helped many people.  “I hope you find the same joy in retirement that you had while serving in office. It is an honor to be your son and it was a tremendous privilege to have been your colleague.”There were dozens upon dozens of tributes to Sen. Lucio soon after the news broke. Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website for the full story.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.