Voters head to polls for Texas Primary runoff election

DALLAS - Only a small number of Texans were expected to vote in Tuesday’s primary runoff election.

There is only one statewide vote as Democrats choose between two candidates for governor – former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez and Houston businessman Andrew White. The winner faces incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in November.

Valdez is hosting an election night watch party at Ellen’s in downtown Dallas’ West End. It’s the same restaurant the gained national attention with its gun control message on receipts during the NRA convention earlier this month.

Valdez has spent most of her time since the March primary campaigning outside the Dallas area. She's trying to connect with Democratic voters who are on the fence about which candidate to vote for.

Valdez spoke with reporters on Tuesday while shaking hands with voters outside a Dallas polling location. Valdez said quality public education and sensible gun control are important issues to her. 

“Look, I’m an officer, I've been an officer for 40 years. The weapon was part of my uniform but I also know that anyone who cannot handle their disagreements through other than violence should never have a weapon,” Valdez said. “Will we ever stop it I don't know but there's things we can do to slow them down and then find other ways to continue stopping it.”

When asked what she would do curve gun violence, Valdez said she would push for universal background checks. Valdez also said there are current procedures in place she would strengthen -- although she didn’t get into specifics.

There are multiple runoffs for U.S. House seats across North Texas, as well.

Former NFL player Colin Allred is facing Lilian Salerno in the runoff for the Democratic nomination for U.S. House District 32. The winner faces Republican Congressman Pete Sessions.

Republicans Lance Gooden and Bunni Pounds are competing for the 5th Congressional District nomination. The winner faces Democrat Dan Wood in the election that will replace the retiring Councilman Jeb Hensarling.

There are runoffs for both the Democratic and Republican nominees in the 6th Congressional District in Tarrant County. The seat is held by Republican Joe Barton, who is retiring after a sext messaging scandal.