In Texas, 8,271 Votes Decided One of the Country’s Most Competitive US House Races

Our daily roundup of Texas headlines.

By Becky FogelNovember 9, 2016 11:44 am

The Standard’s news roundup gives you a quick hit of interesting, sometimes irreverent, and breaking news stories from all over the state.

The contest for Congressional District 23 was one of the most competitive U.S. House races in the country. And incumbent Republican Will Hurd edged out Democrat Pete Gallego 48 to 47. Aaron Shrank with Texas Public Radio has more:

Congressman Hurd made his victory speech just after midnight to a crowd of supporters in a San Antonio hotel. District 23 has swung back and forth between Democrats and Republicans for nearly a decade. Hurd said voters reelected him because he’s done a good job.

“I think that the reality is we’ve been able to deliver a level of service that this district hasn’t seen and people reordered us for that,” Hurd said. 

Hurd, a former CIA employee and cyber security expert, mostly avoided talking about now president-elect Donald Trump throughout his campaign, but the Congressman did call on Trump to step aside after video was leaked of Trump talking about sexually assaulting women. Hurd says now, he’ll work with his party’s new leader.




The Texas Rangers are getting a brand-new ballpark. About 60 percent of voters approved a financial package that will publicly fund half of the billion-dollar-facility. Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams was relieved and excited.

“The new rangers ballpark will be more than just a ballpark. It’ll be a special events center,” Williams said. “And together we will create a very unique venue that’ll attract a lot of events even beyond sports.”

A mix of sales, car rental, and hotel taxes will be extended to fund the stadium’s construction.




And speaking of the Rangers – former owner George W. Bush and wife Laura left a key part of their ballots blank yesterday.

Bush spokesman Freddy Ford says the pair opted not to vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton.