Beto O'Rourke to challenge incumbent Greg Abbott for governor as both men win Texas primaries

Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke will face incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott in November's general election for Texas governor.

The Associated Press projected as Tuesday's primary votes rolled in that Abbot clinched the Republican nomination and that that O'Rourke captured the Democratic nomination. According to the outlet, Abbott was at 68 percent with over three-quarters of the vote counted.

O’Rouke, who served as the US Representative for the state’s 16th congressional district from 2013 to 2019, then lost when he ran for Senate against Ted Cruz in 2018 and when he ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, faced minimal nominal opposition to get the nomination.

Conversely, Abbott who is seeking a third four-year term as governor, faced several primary challengers including: former state Senator Don Huffines, conservative commentator Chad Prather and former Rep. Allen West of Florida.

Abbott’s conservative record on abortion, border security, crime and  election integrity appeared to track well with Republican voters in the primary.

Abbott is supported by former President Donald Trump and was favored to win. He had both more name recognition and a campaign war chest over GOP challengers.

Polling in advance of the primary was favorable to Abbott garnering the top 50 percent to avoid runoff elections in May.