One candidate was well-spoken and conducted a high-energy campaign.
The other was soft-spoken and had more low-key interactions with voters.
The Primary Run-off Election against Republican candidates for Texas State Representative – District 8 featured two conservative candidates, both of whom emphasized traditional family values and love of country during the campaign.
Thomas McNutt, who ran a close race a couple years ago against outgoing Representative Byron Cook, was endorsed by several Republican leaders, including Texas Governor Gregg Abbott and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. Early on, he was favored to succeed in his second attempt to win the position.
Cody Harris was a favorite of several grass-roots organizations, including Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND and Texas Federation of Teacher (AFT). He was also supported by former opponent Linda Timmerman, as well as Rep. Byron Cook.
On Tuesday, May 22, 2018 voters ultimately chose Harris to represent the Republican ticket in November. He will face Democratic candidate Wesley Ratcliff.
Also selected in the Primary Run-off Election was the Democratic candidate for Texas Governor, Lupe Valdez. She defeated her opponent, Andrew White, in the state-wide race by receiving 53.3 percent of the vote.
Valdez will face Republican candidate, incumbent Greg Abbott, in November.
Below is the breakdown of votes for the May 22nd Primary Run-off Elections:
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Freestone County State of Texas
Early Vote Elec Day Total % | Early Vote Total %
Lupe Valdez 36 45 81 54% | 125,118 230,467 53.32%
Andrew White 40 29 69 46% | 118,903 201,713 46.67%
voter turnout: 1.26% of registered voters countywide 2.83% of registered voters statewide
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY
Cody Harris Thomas McNutt
Early Vote Total | Early Vote Total
Anderson County 1,664 3,171 | 708 1,364
Freestone County 500 1,077 | 526 1,040
Hill County 744 1,723 | 569 1,339
Navarro County 1,182 2,408 | 1,382 2,586
Total Votes 8,379 6,329
(6.97%) (43.03%)