Beth Van Duyne Leads Candace Valenzuela For North Texas' Open 24th Congressional Seat
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - Republican Beth Van Duyne maintained a slim lead over Democrat Candace Valenzuela in their battle for the open seat in the 24th Congressional District, which is in parts of Dallas, Tarrant and Denton counties.
As of 11:05 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, Van Duyne had 49% (160,409 votes to Valenzuela's 47.3% (154,672 votes).
That's with 73% of precincts reporting.
Van Duyne sent out a press release early Wednesday morning declaring victory although CBS had not yet declared the race had been won by either candidate.
"Beth Van Duyne declared victory in this historic election to become only the second Republican woman elected to the House of Representatives from Texas. Despite national Democrats spending close to $15 million in attack ads against Van Duyne, and all national pundits rating this district as a lean/tilt Democrat race, Van Duyne prevailed.
"I am honored the voters of North Texas have put their trust in me. While tonight we celebrate, tomorrow we start the work to bring our nation back together, ensure our families get back to work, and strengthen the future so all our children will be blessed with the kind of opportunities that only America can deliver," Congresswoman-elect Beth Van Duyne said. "I am honored and humbled to be the second Republican woman elected from Texas to the House of Representatives. My pledge to the people of North Texas is to always be a fearless
"It's a tough race. We knew that all along," Van Duyne told supporters earlier Tuesday night as election results rolled in.
A spokesperson for Valenzuela's campaign said she would not be making a public address Tuesday night.
Van Duyne was the first female Mayor of Irving (2011-17).
She was appointed by President Donald Trump as a regional administrator for Housing and Urban Development.
Valenzuela is a former educator and school board member.
The retiring Congressman in this district, Republican Kenny Marchant, won two years ago by just 8,000 votes thanks to supporters in Tarrant County.
He lost Dallas and Denton counties.
MORE FROM CBSDFW
