Franklin County voters, with all precincts reporting, did not follow Texas state trends in giving Democratic candidates an apparent clean sweep of statewide offices. The Texas Secretary of State’s office at 8 a.m. Wednesday reported that 98 to 100 percent of voting precincts had filed reports.
The first time since 1991, Texas voters elected a female governor. Gina Hinojosa garnered 52.9 percent of the votes cast in that race. That was a 7.8 percent lead over incumbent three-term Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who captured 45.1 percent of the votes.
Republicans won all four district races, including Franklin County. The U.S. Representative, Dist. 3 Republican incumbent Keith Self edged out Evan Hunt with 52.7 percent of the vote district-wide.
Incumbent State Senator, Dist. 1 Republican Bryan Hughes comfortably kept his seat, carrying 71.6 percent of the vote over Laticia Ambroz. State Representative Dist. 62 candidate Republican Shelley Luther with 73.5 percent of the vote, easily defeated Democrat Catherine Thorne. Republican Kason Huddleston beat Democrat Erica Ledferd, carrying 57.96 percent of the vote in the race for Member, State Board of Education, Dist. 9.
Locally, supporters of Republican candidates dominated every race. In Franklin County, Ken Paxton carried 76 percent of the popular vote for the U.S. Senate race. Other top races reflected the same, with 81 percent for Keith Self, U.S. Representative, Dist. 3; Greg Abbott held 79 percent for Governor; Dan Patrick garnered 79.5 percent for Lt. Governor; Hayes Middleton held 79.6 percent of the vote; Do Huffines cornered 85.4 percent of the vote for Comptroller of Public Accounts; and Bo French garnered 80 percent of the votes for Railroad Commissioner. Local vote percentages increased in other down-ballot races, with less Democratic support for lesser-known candidates.
According to Franklin County Election Administrator Yasinia Castro, 55 percent of the 7,799 registered voters in Franklin County participated in the November General Election. Early voting by personal appearance surpassed recent figures for other general elections, with 2831 casting ballots early. Election Day voting totaled 1,342. There were 152 by-mail ballots requested, and 126 had been returned by Election Day, leaving 26 still out. Some of those still out could still be counted if they reach the elections office by various deadlines affecting local, military, and out-of-country by-mail voters.
Go to the Secretary of State’s website for details on other down-ballot candidates HERE. For details of local Franklin County voting, go to the Franklin County Texas Elections Nov. 3 Election Unofficial Results and Reports HERE.
