AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Polls have closed in Texas' first-in-the-nation primary election, save for three West Texas counties, setting off what's expected to be hours of counting and the beginning of the race for the 2022 midterm election.
In Travis County, officials said more than 62,000 people had cast ballots in-person Tuesday, adding to the more than 75,000 ballots cast during early voting - and pushing the expected turnout above 16.7% with mail-in ballots included.
Voters across the state are deciding on party nominees for the general election in November, including the state's three highest elected offices - governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general.
While the gubernatorial battle ended with few surprises, with incumbent Greg Abbott and Democratic frontrunner Beto O'Rourke both cruising to a victory, the attorney general's race continues to be close as early voting results continue to come in. Incumbent Ken Paxton is facing off against three Republican challengers - Eva Guzman, George P. Bush, and Louie Gohmert - and recent polls have indicated the race is likely headed towards a runoff.
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Also on the ballot are Texas' 38 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, with Austin residents keeping an eye on District 35 and District 37 in particular - the seat formerly held by longtime Rep. Lloyd Doggett, and the newly-created seat he hopes to win in November. Among the challengers vying to replace Doggett in the District 35 seat is former Austin City Council member Greg Casar. Both had a sizeable lead in their individual races, based on early returns.
Voting was relatively issue-free across much of Central Texas, although some Williamson County polling locations were experiencing some technical difficulties. According to county officials, the issues weren't stopping voters from being able to cast their ballots.
Check back for further updates throughout the evening as election results continue to come in from across Central Texas and the rest of the state.