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Bryan Slaton -
Mary "MJ" Hegar
West takes Hopkins County, but Hegar takes state
In his third attempt, Bryan Slaton handed longtime incumbent Dan Flynn a defeat for Texas House District 2 in the July runoff election Tuesday and will face his Democratic opponent Bill Brannon in November.
“I can't tell you how humbling it is to be so overwhelmingly supported by my community,” Slaton said on social media. “I want to thank Mr. Flynn for his service, and also let every one of Dan Flynn's voters know that my door is open, and I'm ready to serve you.”
Of the 23,351 registered voters in Hopkins County, 2,498 went to the polls, which is about a 10.7% turnout.
For Hopkins County, Slaton garnered 64.57% of the votes, nearly beating Flynn by 600 votes. In the March primary, Flynn had narrowly won Hopkins County with 43.05% of the votes to Slaton’s 42.43%. Dwayne “Doc” Collins, who endorsed Slaton after the primary, made up the last 14.52%.
For the district, Slaton won 61.07%, or 9,2575, of the votes to Flynn’s 38.93%, or 6,221 votes. In March, Flynn performed better with 44.67% of the votes to Slaton’s 36.15%.
Slaton will face Bill Brannon in the Nov. 3 general election. Back in March, Slaton garnered over 5,000 more votes than Brannon, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary, in his Republican primary despite facing two other opponents.
In the Democratic runoff for US Senator, Royce West took Hopkins County with 57.96% of the votes versus Mary “MJ” Hegar. Hegar, however, beat Royce West in the statewide contest with 52.13% of the votes.
"I am humbled by the support we have received from all across the state, and am confident we have a decisive victory," Hegar said in a statement.
Hegar will face Republican incumbent John Cornyn in the general election.
In the Democratic runoff for Railroad Commissioner, Chrysta Castañeda won Hopkins County with 55.24% of the vote. Castañeda finished far ahead of opponent Roberto R. “Beto” Alonzo with 61.95% of the vote.
Castañeda will face James “Jim” Wright in the general election. Wright unseated incumbent Ryan Sitton in March.