A vacant seat in Texas House District 52 created a favorable race for Texas Republicans.
Republican candidate Carolyn Harris is expected to win the seat, defeating Democrat Louis Echegare. Harris had nearly 56% of the vote with 92% reporting as of Wednesday morning.
The district, which includes Leander, South Georgetown, Taylor, Hutto, and surrounding areas in Williamson County, has been represented by James Talerico, D-Texas, since 2018. But Talerico has decided to run for re-election in the recently ousted district. 50 opened the door for two candidates.
Harris is a conservative Republican who has received significant attention through his support of high-profile Republican-led organizations and individuals such as the Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC and Representative Ded Phelan from District 21.
Compared to Harris, who raised more than $1.2 million for his campaign, Louis Ichegare has been endorsed with a total of $34,615. U.S. Army Veterans focuses on improving VA benefits and improving mental health services, especially for veterans and children.
Republicans were favored to win the district this November.