Early Voting Begins Monday: All About The Democratic Runoff

The Texas governorship is up for grabs in 2018, and the race leading up to it has been interesting. Later this month, a lesbian woman who holds a number of 'firsts' in Texas is slated to face off against a businessman with childhood ties to the office.

The candidates are competing for the Democratic nomination. The winner will go up against republican incumbent Greg Abbott in November for the governorship.

One candidate, Lupe Valdez, was the only female Hispanic sheriff in the United States and only one of four female sheriffs in Texas. According to Dallas County's website, Valdez has experience in homeland security and anti-terrorism investigations. If elected, she will be Texas' first LGBT governor.

Valdez will appear on the ballot next to Andrew White, a Houston businessman and son of former Texas governor Mark White.

Valdez and White recently faced off in a televised debate in Austin, which you can watch on Patch.

Important Election Information

Early voting begins Monday, May 14, and ends Friday, May 18. Voters looking to early vote or appear at the polls on election day can find a local polling place online.

Absentee ballots must be postmarked on Tuesday, May 22.
Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images, REX/Shutterstock