Dutton narrowly defeats Money in Texas HD 2 special election

• Jill Dutton

According to unofficial results from the Texas Secretary of State's office at 9:10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, Jill Dutton has won the Texas House District 2 Special Election. Dutton received a total of 6,830 votes, while Money received 6,719 — a difference of 111 votes.

Dutton released the following statement Tuesday night after the polls closed: “Tonight was a resounding victory for conservatives across this district. Thank you, Van Zandt, Hopkins and Hunt Counties. While I’m excited to get to work for the people of HD 2, and while I look forward to being sworn into office in the coming days, this race is far from over. I look forward to earning your vote again in March.”

Voting Totals

According to data from the unofficial results from the Texas Secretary of State website, Dutton carried both Hopkins and and Van Zandt Counties with a total of 4,050 votes overall — 1,239 votes overall from Hopkins County and 2,812 from Van Zandt County, where she resides. In comparison, Money gained 993 votes in Hopkins County and 2,464 in Van Zandt County, but handily won his home, Hunt County, with 3,262 votes total, compared to Dutton’s 2,779.

Dutton will finish out the remainder of the unexpired term, which ends Dec. 31, in the Texas House of Representatives. Dutton and Money will face off in the March 5 Republican primary to determine which candidate will appear on the November ballot, running against Democrat Kristen Washington. The winner of the November election will be sworn into office in January to serve a full two-year term.