Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the three-term Arizona Democrat who was shot in the head during a 2011 assassination attempt, announced Sunday that she will resign from Congress this week in order to focus on her continuing recovery.

Giffords, whose ability to speak was damaged by the gunman's attack, made the announcement herself in a YouTube video posted to her account. She plans to attend President Barack Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday and will resign sometime after that.

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"I have more work to do on my recovery, so to do what is best for Arizona, I will step down this week," Giffords said in slow speech. "I'm getting better every day. My spirit is high. I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country."

Giffords' resignation will force a special election to fill her seat in the 8th Congressional District.

Republican candidates state Sen. Frank Antenori, R-Tucson, and Dave Sitton, a University of Arizona sports broadcaster, already had formed exploratory committees for the November general election to test the waters for a possible run in her district. Jesse Kelly, Giffords' 2010 GOP opponent also might run again. Republican Adam Hansen of Bisbee also has announced his candidacy.

On the Democratic side, state legislators Paula Aboud, Steve Farley and Matt Heinz of Tucson have been mentioned as possible Giffords replacements. Mark Kelly, Giffords' retired astronaut husband, Pia Carusone, her congressional chief of staff, and Ron Barber, her state director, also have been mentioned as possibilities, although Kelly particularly has indicated he isn't interested in running.

In the video, Giffords thanks supporters for their prayers and says she will never forget the trust that they put in her.

"I know on the issues we fought for we can change things for the better," she said. "Jobs, border security, veterans. We can do so much more by working together."

Ross Zimmerman, whose son, Gabe Zimmerman, was among the six killed in the shooting, met privately with Giffords earlier this month during events marking the anniversary of the Jan. 8, 2011, shootings. His son was a friend and staff member of Giffords.

"I'm not surprised - well, not really," he said. "She's recovering very well, but she's nowhere close to where she would want to be to function in her public professional life," he said. "It was clear from what we saw that she wasn't at the place where she could do a debate, or get around on her own . . . or interact as freely with people as she would like."

As word of her announcement spread, reaction poured in from both sides of the aisle. "Over the last year, Gabby and her husband Mark have taught us the true meaning of hope in the face of despair, determination in the face of incredible odds, and now - even after she's come so far - Gabby shows us what it means to be selfless as well," Obama said. "Gabby's cheerful presence will be missed in Washington. But she will remain an inspiration to all whose lives she touched - myself included. And I'm confident that we haven't seen the last of this extraordinary American." Republican Gov. Jan Brewer, who must call a special election, thanked Giffords for her public service. "Her grit and determination continue to inspire," she said. "As with all Americans, I will continue to hold Gabby in my thoughts and prayers as she continues her remarkable recovery."

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, a Democrat, also praised her commitment to serving the public. "Her tenure will be marked by her strong support for border security, solar sustainability programs,and always acting in a bipartisan manner," he said. "Her service makes all Arizonans proud."

Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., said Giffords has always put Arizona first. "From the day she was first elected to the Arizona State Senate, to her three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, Gabby Giffords has been a great advocate for our state," he said.

Republic reporter Jaimee Rose contributed to this article.

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