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%)