Former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez has won the Democratic nomination for governor. A back-and-forth race early against Houston businessman Andrew White finally broke late for Valdez.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been campaigning against Valdez for a few months, even though she hadn’t yet won the nomination. Lopez starts her race for governor about $40 million in campaign funds behind Abbott.
Valdez served as Dallas County sheriff for 13 years and has spent decades in law enforcement.
“Tonight, Texas Democrats made history electing the first Latina and first openly LGBTQ Texan to serve as a major party nominee for governor of this great state," Texas Democratic Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said in a statement. “Lupe Valdez has spent a lifetime breaking down barriers and defending Texans."
Conceding the race, White congratulated Valdez and gave her his endorsement and support.
Congratulations to @LupeValdez for winning the Democratic nomination for Governor of Texas. She has my endorsement and my support.
Let’s #DoRightTX and win in November!— Andrew White (@randrewwhite) May 23, 2018
Both candidates stumbled during the primary race. Valdez did not receive any newspaper endorsements, and even got a negative review by The Dallas Morning News for not understanding some key areas of how state government runs. She was also criticized by a Hispanic youth group for her interactions with ICE while Dallas County sheriff.
White received criticism for his views on abortion. He's been quoted as saying that his family has "made the decision that we respect life." When pushed on that view during a debate this month, White said as governor he would not impose his personal beliefs on the people of Texas.
This post has been updated.
Copyright 2018 KUT 90.5
