AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Embattled Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appeared headed for a commanding victory Tuesday night, fending off a primary runoff challenge from former Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush.
With 100% of the state's polling locations counted Tuesday night, Paxton decisively won over Bush by more than 330,000 votes. The Associated Press and other media outlets called the race in Paxton's favor just over 30 minutes after polls closed.
Paxton, who is seeking a third term, will head to November's general election to face former ACLU attorney Rochelle Garza, who bested former Galveston mayor Joe Jaworski in the Democratic runoff.
In the race to fill the Land Commissioner seat vacated by Bush, state Sen. Dawn Buckingham won overwhelmingly over challenger Tim Westley. GOP voters were also deciding on a nominee in the Railroad Commission race, with incumbent Wayne Christian successfully defending his seat against a challenge from attorney Sarah Stogner.
Related
Republican voters were also deciding their nominees for two Congressional seats in Central Texas, in Districts 35 and 37. Dan McQueen defeated Michael Rodriguez in the District 35 race with more than 61% of the vote; McQueen will face former Austin City Council member Greg Casar in November.
Meanwhile, in the District 37 race, Jenny Garcia Sharon defeated Rod Lingsch with more than 59% of the vote. The winner will face longtime Austin-area congressman Lloyd Doggett in November.
At the state level, Pete Flores appeared headed for victory over Paul Reyes for the nomination for the Senate District 24 seat left open by Buckingham. In the Texas House, former Austin City Council member Ellen Troxclair defeated Austin Police officer Justin Berry in the race for the District 19 GOP nomination, while Caroline Harris pulled out a slim victory over Patrick McGuiness in the District 52 race.