A close competition ended in an upset after Carrie Isaac won the runoff for the Texas House District 73 Republican nomination against former New Braunfels Mayor Barron Casteel.
In the March primaries, Casteel had managed a slim lead over Isaac, winning 45.63% of votes with 12,966 votes total. Meanwhile, Isaac gathered 44.78% of votes with 12,725 votes total. Because neither candidate surpassed the required 50% to win, the election required a runoff, which was held on Tuesday, May 24.
With a late surge of votes, Isaac took home the nomination with 50.64% (11,176 votes) — just barely beating Casteel’s 49.36% (10,892 votes).
Provisional and absentee ballots received between Tuesday and Wednesday evening were not included in those numbers. However, Isaac’s narrow margin of victory is expected to stay exactly that: a victory for Isaac.
“We did it!” Isaac said. “The voters of Hays and Comal counties have spoken, and I’m officially the Republican nominee to be your next state representative.”
“Texans’ hearts are heavy at the news of yet another senseless shooting, but as I read about the vibrant lives of the children left behind and the deep love of their families, I’m reminded anew just why we fight,” she continued. “Even in the face of unconscionable evil, the spirit of Texas is strong. We must fight for our values. We must keep Texas free and keep House District 73 red — for our community’s sake and for the sake of the Lone Star State.”
Isaac is expected to face Democrat Justin Calhoun on November 8 for the general election. This will determine who will succeed outgoing incumbent Kyle Biedermann as the House District 73 representative.
Following the announcement of the runoff results, Calhoun posted about the November election on his campaign Facebook page.
“I just wanna say y’all pump me up,” he posted on May 25. “I’m so fired up right now from all the phone calls and texts telling me how excited y’all are for our campaign and how ready everyone is to get to work! Together, we can do this; together we will win.”
As of May 30, Casteel’s campaign has not yet put out a statement.
All totals are unofficial until canvassed and certified by both parties in Hays and Comal counties.
For more information, visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website at sos. state.tx.us and click on the elections tab. Local election information can also be found at hayscountytx.com/departments/elections.
