TEXAS — Lupe Valdez conceded to Gov. Greg Abbott shortly after 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Valdez was the Democratic nominee for the governor's seat.
Valdez watched results come in with the rest of the Texas Democrats at the Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin. The crowd there was energetic throughout the night, even after the Associated Press called the election for Abbott and after they called the Senate Race between Beto O'Rourke and Ted Cruz. The crowd their ecstatic attitude as the Democrats re-took control of the U.S. House.
For Valdez, she left with some hope for the state of Texas and proud of how she and her supporters ran their race.
"Because of your efforts and the support of everyone here tonight, we just racked up the smallest Margin in a two-way race for governor in over the last 20 years," said Valdez in her concession speech.
Valdez also brought up the fact she was the first Latina and LGBT candidate to run for the office, but she said it gives her hope that she won't be the last.