Gov. Greg Abbott defeats Lupe Valdez to win re-election as Texas governor

Governor Greg Abbott will serve a second term as the governor of Texas after easily defeating Democratic challenger Lupe Valdez, the former Dallas County sheriff.

During a speech Tuesday night, Abbott said Valdez had already called him to congratulate him and concede the race.

The incumbent Republican won by double digits, though his margin of victory was not nearly as large as it was four years ago. He secured 56 percent of the vote compared to Valdez’s 43 percent.

Gov. Abbott called for unity after his victory and Valdez thanked her supporters.

“I want to tell all Texans, and that is whether or not you voted for me or against me or didn’t vote at all, I’m going to work every single day… working for everybody in this great state,” Abbott said.

“Because of your efforts and the support of everyone here, this Latina from the poorest zip code in San Antonio just racked up the smallest margin in a two-way race for governor in the last 20 years,” Valdez said.

Gov. Abbott will officially begin his second term in office in January as another session of the state legislature gets underway.

LINKS:
Election Results: http://www.fox4news.com/elections
Balance Of Power: http://www.fox4news.com/elections/balance-of-power