Updated 10:38 p.m.
With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Republican Kevin Roberts was elected state representative for District 126 over opponent Joy Dawson-Thomas with 58 percent of the vote.
Updated 10:15 p.m.
Kevin Roberts takes District 126 victory
With 83 percent of precincts reporting, Republican Kevin Roberts is poised to be elected state representative for District 126 over opponent Joy Dawson-Thomas with 59 percent of the vote. He said he was humbled to be elected to represent the district.
“I’ve been campaigning now for two years, and what’s really resonated with me is that folks don’t necessarily vote because of a political philosophy—they vote for someone they trust,” he said Tuesday night.
Voters look for hardworking, loyal public servants who are dedicated to bettering their communities, Roberts said.
“I’m most excited that now we can continue to look ahead to the session,” he said. “We have some really important issues statewide and in the district.”
Roberts said his district being 98 percent unincorporated territory brings unique advantages and challenges. He said he will be focusing mainly on economic development, job generation and small businesses.
School finance and systematic problems in foster care are other prominent issues that Roberts said he looks forward to tackling in the coming months.
All votes are unofficial until canvassed.
Updated at 7:13 p.m.
Kevin Roberts takes the lead for District 126 in early voting
Early and absentee voting numbers reflected 59 percent of Harris County voted for Roberts, while 39 percent chose Dawson-Thomas. All votes are unofficial until canvassed.
Posted at 6:58 p.m.
Kevin Roberts, Joy Dawson-Thomas compete for District 126 seat
Republican Kevin Roberts and Democrat Joy Dawson-Thomas are vying for the position of State Rep. District 126—which covers the Cypress, Spring and Tomball region—in the Nov. 8 election.
Throughout the campaign, Roberts focused on property tax relief, public safety and security, small business and economic growth and maintaining public infrastructure as his top priorities.
I love old school grass root campaigning!! I'm making personal phone calls to House District 126 supporters today! #RobertsTX126 #txlege pic.twitter.com/hDHWkjYvX1
— Kevin Roberts (@RobertsTX126) November 7, 2016
Dawson-Thomas said her top priorities are safety and crime, public education curriculum, public education funding and profitable employment.