Lupe Valdez victorious over Andrew White in Texas primary runoff

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Hispanic female ex-sheriff Lupe Valdez has won the Democratic runoff to emerge as the first openly gay and first Latina governor nominee in Texas history.

The Associated Press declared Valdez the winner over Democratic opponent Andrew White at 9:37 p.m. Tuesday.

While Lupe Valdez's victory on Tuesday breaks barriers, the 70-year-old former Dallas County sheriff faces long odds of ousting Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in November. She defeated White, the son of former governor Mark White, who pitched himself as a moderate Democrat in deep-red Texas.

The runoff generated little enthusiasm among Democrats. Valdez has struggled to raise money and fumbled some questions on policy. Party activists have also attacked her for cooperating with federal immigration agents as sheriff.

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