HOUSTON – Gov. Greg Abbott clinched the Republican nomination for governor and enters the general election as a heavy favorite against whoever emerges from the Democratic primary.
"I want to thank all the voters and volunteers who have been supportive of my campaign, and I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support Texans have shown this evening," said Governor Abbott. "This campaign isn’t just about the 2018 election. This campaign is about laying the ground work to elevate our state to new heights, building a brighter future for the next generation of Texans and upholding the Texas promise of individual liberty and limitless opportunity. We cannot afford to take Texas for granted. This is a fight for our future and it begins now."
Abbott will face either Lupe Valdez or Andrew White.
Valdez, the first Hispanic female sheriff in Texas, is headed to a Democratic runoff against White, the son of a former governor.
Both advanced Tuesday from a field of nine largely unknown Democratic primary candidates. The runoff election is May 22.
Other state races
Abbott is still watching the results closely in three House District races that he has inserted himself into over the last few months.
The races for House Districts 23, 122 and 134 are unique because they are all currently occupied by Republicans, but Abbott has endorsed their GOP challengers.
RESULTS: Texas State Primary Election
The political strategy has been viewed as an effort by many for Abbott to push through desired legislation without much opposition from his side of the aisle.
Two of the races have ties to the Houston area. District 22 is focused in Galveston, while District 134 is in the heart of Houston’s southwest side and it includes the influential Texas Medical Center. District 122 is a few hours to the west in the San Antonio area.
Going into Tuesday’s Texas primary, the storyline that emerged from early voting was much different from the last midterm.
Democrats dramatically increased their turnout from 2014 totals in the state’s most populous counties, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.