HOUSTON — Candidates who won Tuesday night are now focusing on their next race. For some, that’s a runoff in May and for others, that’s the general election in November.
Election officials are wrapping up final tallies of primary results and now the stage is set for what's expected to be one of the more contested statewide races – the race for U.S. Senate.
RELATED: How House GOP challengers backed by Gov. Greg Abbott, AG Ken Paxton fared in primary election
Congressman Colin Allred came out on top in a crowded field for the Democratic primary. He avoids a runoff after getting nearly 60% of the vote. Right now, his focus turns to his November general election rival, incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz. Cruz is aiming for his third term in the U.S. Senate.
Experts tell KHOU 11 News that numbers from Tuesday night show that Democrats have more work to do if they want to have a chance.
“The Democrats have got to find some energy, the turnout statewide was pretty low and if we see that continue then we won’t find this as one of those marquee matchups that the National Democratic Party hopes they find here in Texas,” said KHOU 11 political analyst Brandon Rottinghaus.
Meanwhile, KHOU 11 News learned that a major battle within the state Republican Party continues. Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan will now head to a runoff race against David Covey after both failed to get a majority of votes. Phelan helped open the door to impeach Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton last year, and Paxton has aimed to get revenge by backing Covey and turn voters against Phelan. He went on social media Tuesday night to rally voters over the result. The runoff between Phelan and Covey will be May 28.
Here in Harris County, Sean Teare has an overwhelming lead on District Attorney Kim Ogg. Because of the political makeup of the county, Teare’s victory makes him the likely de facto general election winner.
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