PHARR -- The wife of a state representative filed Monday to run against her husband in a South Texas race that both candidates say coincides with an impending divorce.

Democratic state Rep. Armando Martinez faces a primary challenge in March from his wife, Jessica Reyes-Martinez. The District 39 seat covers part of Hidalgo County. Martinez is a 29-year-old firefighter and paramedic from Weslaco. Martinez is a freshman legislator.

Reyes-Martinez is a 28-year-old homemaker. The first-time candidate said she's running for the office and not against her husband.

"It just happens that he's in office right now," she told the McAllen Monitor.

The candidates live in separate homes and both say they plan to divorce soon.

It's up to voters to decide if his wife's bid is overly personal, Martinez said.

There are no Republican candidates.