(Photo courtesy of the Arizona State Legislature)

Ruben Gallego was elected to Arizona's 7th Congressional District.

Arizona State Representative Ruben Gallego's resignation letter.

Arizona State Rep. Ruben Gallego resigned Friday afternoon from the legislature. He had represented South Phoenix since 2010.

Gallego said he is leaving his current post to focus full time on his run the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Stepping down was the first step in making sure that this race goes well but also that the state House has proper representation," said Gallego.

Gallego said he is preparing for the primary this August. He is running to fill retiring U.S. Congressman Ed Pastor’s seat in the seventh district.

Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox and Minority Whip Steve Gallardo are also running for the position. The County Board of Supervisors will pick a democratic replacement to fill the seat.