UPDATE 8:15 pm: It’s all over folks. AP has called the race and Greg Abbott is the next governor of Texas.
UPDATE 7:39 pm With almost 1.7 million early votes tallied, Abbott is leading Davis with 58 percent to her 41 percent.
INITIAL POST: Polls and expectations have Greg Abbott poised to become Texas’ next governor, replacing long-serving Rick Perry while continuing many of his policies.
Throughout the campaign, Abbott has brandished conservative credentials, promising low taxes and small government. He has played on President Obama’s deep unpopularity in Texas, painting Democrat Wendy Davis as a mere extension of the president.
Davis skyrocketed to national attention following a 13-hour filibuster last year on sweeping new abortion restrictions. Her campaign tapped support from tens of thousands of small donors and banked on strong support from women and Latinos.
Davis has urged voters to select new leadership that will represent ordinary Texans and fight for quality education, health care and opportunities. She has portrayed Abbott as an attorney general who represents business insiders.
Abbott also has promised to improve education in Texas and has emphasized investment in roads, border security and fighting federal government overreach.
Together, the candidates are expected to have spent $90 million seeking the office.