Rep.-elect Jill Dutton (R–Van Zandt) pulled off a surprise win in the House District (HD) 2 race to replace former Rep. Bryan Slaton on Tuesday, defeating Brent Money, who had been endorsed by both Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and Attorney General Ken Paxton (R). The race was decided by just 107 votes. 

Dutton will now serve the remainder of Slaton’s term, which ends prior to the beginning of the next regular legislative session. Both Dutton and Money are running in the March Republican primary to fill the seat beginning in January 2025.

The result of this race is a reminder that every vote counts and that it’s important to make sure your voice is heard as we near the March primaries. Each election cycle, many races in the primaries are decided by small margins.

Read more about the HD 2 special election in The Texas Tribune.