Celia Israel

Final update

State Rep. Celia Israel, D, successfully defended her seat with 58.67 percent of the vote, or 22,651 votes. Republican challenger Mike VanDeWalle received 37.14 percent of the vote, or 14,339 votes. Libertarian David Dreesen received 4.18 percent of the vote, or 1,617 votes.

Updated 12:06 a.m. CST

Israel appears likely to win the race with 59 percent of the vote, or 19,955 votes, as of midnight. Her Republican challenger Mike VanDeWalle has 36.97 percent of the vote, or 12,504 votes. Libertarian David Dreesen has 4 percent of the vote, or 1,365 votes.

Posted 7:42 p.m. CST

According to early voting results, incumbent state Rep. Celia Israel is leading the race for the District 50 seat with 60.34 percent of the vote, or 11,513 votes. Challenger Mike VanDeWalle has 36.7 percent of the vote, or 7,003 votes, and Libertarian David Dreesen has 2.94 percent of the vote, or 562 votes.

Israel's campaign focused on higher education, transportation and encouraging voting through online registration. VanDeWalle focused on decreasing regulation, minimizing spending and lowering taxes.

Israel won a special election for the seat in January against VanDeWalle. District 50 covers parts of Pflugerville, Austin and Manor. Texas House of Representatives members serve two-year terms.

All results are unofficial until canvassed.