Andrew Blanton, Contributor
Gubernatorial Race
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott defeated Democratic nominee Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, by receiving nearly 60 percent of the votes cast, making Abbott the first new governor-elect since Rick Perry took office in 2000.
Davis, who soared into the national spotlight last year after leading a 13-hour filibuster against new state abortion legislation, received just under 39 percent of the votes.
The Texas gubernatorial race resembled midterm elections across the nation where Republicans gained ground and Democrats were left to reconsider their strategies.
“Just a few minutes ago, I called Greg Abbott to congratulate him on being elected governor of this incredible state that we call home, and I wished him the best because it is in every Texan’s interest that he have a productive four years as our next governor,”
Davis said to her supporters.
In his victory speech, Abbott said, “Whether you voted for me, against me, or didn’t vote at all, I’m going to work every single day to keep Texas the best state of America.”
Davis withdrew from a campaign to be re-elected to her Fort Worth State Senate district 10 to run against Abbott. Konni Burton, R-Colleyville, defeated Democrat Libby Willis Tuesday to take the seat.
ACC Bond Election
ACC Bond Propositions 1 and 2 were approved by voters. The college will now be able to raise nearly $400 million for projects such as district- wide renovations, construction of a new campus in Leander and land banking for a new workforce training center.
“This is a huge win for ACC, our students and the community. The voters have overwhelmingly decided to invest in the future of their college,” Jeffrey Richard, chairman of the ACC Board of Trustees, said in a press release.
Although Propositions 1 and 2 passed with 56 percent of the vote, the tax cap increase put forth in Proposition 3 was rejected. The tax cap increase would have raised the tax rate by 1 cent each in fiscal years 2016, 2018 and 2020. The increase would go toward freezing tuition rates over the next four years, hiring teachers and establishing the college’s first bachelor of science in nursing degree.
Board of Trustees Election
Mark Williams, former Austin school board president, beat incumbent Tim Mahoney with 53 percent of the votes for Place 1. Places 2 and 3 are to be decided in a runoff elections. The ACC board consists of nine members who are elected for six year terms.