Topline
Incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott will face Democrat Beto O’Rourke in the Texas gubernatorial election later this year after both were projected to win their party’s nomination Tuesday, setting up the first major battle of this year’s midterm elections.
Key Facts
Abbott managed to fend off two right-wing primary challengers while avoiding a possible runoff by a wide margin.
Abbott will now enter the gubernatorial race in pole position, having raised more than $50 million and campaigning as he seeks a third term.
Former Congressman Beto O’Rourke formally won the nomination for the Democratic party on Tuesday, after only facing nominal opposition in the party primary.
In South Texas, progressive candidate Jessica Cisneros mounted a strong challenge against incumbent Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar—one of the last anti-abortion rights Democrats in Congress—but the race remained too close to call.
Crucial Quote
Former President Donald Trump issued a statement taking credit for backing the winning candidates in the Republican primary races. “Big night in Texas! All 33 candidates that were Trump endorsed have either won their primary election or are substantially leading.”
Key Background
Tuesday’s primaries were Texas’ first elections after it passed more stringent voting measures, especially targeting mailed ballots. Under the new laws, mail ballots now require the inclusion of some form of identification and this was blamed for thousands of rejected mail ballots before the election, the Associated Press reported.
Further Reading
Abbott, O’Rourke win nominations for Texas governor in first midterm contests (Washington Post)
Texas primary sets up Abbott-O’Rourke race as midterms begin (Associated Press)
