Updated Nov. 5

With all precincts reporting in for the race for Texas Senate District 7, Republican Paul Bettencourt is the unofficial winner with 72 percent of the vote. Democrat Jim Davis finished with 45,162 votes to Bettencourt's 123,416.

"It's really gratifying, as someone who has been in this community for 26 years, to see voters propelling the Republican ticket in Harris County," he said. "The citizens and the tax payers are sending an ex-tax man to Austin to bring relief."

Bettencourt easily defeated his competition in the Republican primary in March with roughly 90 percent of the vote to James Wilson's 10 percent. Davis ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Bettencourt is the CEO of Bettencourt Tax Advisors, a business he founded in 2009. He has served as the Harris County tax assessor-collector for 10 years and has also held several county and statewide offices within the Republican Party. He said his experience as a public official, business owner and family man will all help him as a senator.

His top priorities are passing a state budget with property tax relief and continuing to foster a good climate for job growth. As a representative for Katy and Cy-Fair, he said he is also eager to get involved in school finance.

"Right now, the fast-growing school districts are in a real straitjacket because they're being held hostage by 2006 levels," he said. "I think we really need to take a really long [look at] how to change the school funding formula."

Posted 7:10 p.m.

With early votes tallied in the race for Texas Senate District 7, Republican Paul Bettencourt has a sizable lead over Democrat Jim Davis with 72 percent of the vote.

Senate District 7 represents Harris County, including parts of Katy and Cy-Fair and parts of Houston. The seat was formerly held by Dan Patrick, who stepped down to run for lieutenant governor.

All results are unofficial until canvassed.