AUSTIN — Andrew White plans to start airing the first television ad of the Democratic primary for governor Monday in his hometown of Houston, focusing on his rescue of people stranded by Hurricane Harvey.

“A son of Democratic Governor Mark White, and a son of Texas,” says the narrator in the 30-second ad, which was provided to the San Antonio Express-News. “A common-sense leader, Andrew knows Texas can do better. He’s running for governor to do right by every Texan. No matter what it takes.”

Scenes in the ad include partially submerged cars, White driving his boat, text messages from his neighbors asking for help, people being rescued and an appearance by White on CNN during its Harvey coverage, in which he is credited with having rescued “dozens and dozens of people.”

White has said he was called by police to help with rescues when they learned from a friend of his that he had a boat. He continued rescue efforts for five days.

His campaign said the “Son of Texas” ad will run Monday through primary election day, initially in Houston, on broadcast and cable. It did not put a figure on the advertising buy.

A businessman who has made a $1 million loan to his campaign, White apparently is reaping the benefits of having some cash on hand. He will be the first candidate in the crowded Democratic primary race for governor to air a television ad.

White and former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez — viewed as the main competitors in the nine-way race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination — haven’t raised a substantial amount of money from donors.

Their combined take is beyond overshadowed by that of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who has more than $43 million in his campaign account.

White often talks about how his decision to run for governor stemmed from two things: Experiencing firsthand the impact of Texans helping each other after Harvey and feeling afresh the legacy of his father, who died last year.

The former governor drove public school reforms, including the no-pass, no-play requirement. He pushed a tax increase to fund education and transportation, telling lawmakers to blame him for it.

He lost his re-election bid as a result, but stood by a decision he figured was in line with Texas icon Sam Houston: “Do right, and risk the consequences.”

His son has adopted the same mantra, pushing for the state to invest in education and health care. He has derided Abbott for calling a special legislative session that included a bill to restrict the public restrooms that transgender people can use.

Still, Abbott will be tough to beat in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to statewide office in more than two decades, especially with his formidable fundraising advantage.

The latest campaign finance reports showed White had $168,500 in cash on hand, besides his $1 million loan. It showed Valdez had $83,876 in cash on hand. She made a $5,000 loan to herself.

Both candidates also have received endorsements that can help their campaigns, including a new one for Valdez, who is being backed by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.

Jenkins told the San Antonio Express-News that Valdez was “a very effective sheriff” and “effective leader of the part of Dallas County that has the most employees.

“In my dealings with her, she’s plainspoken, and what she says she’ll do is what she does,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins said his endorsement decision wasn’t based on concerns over White but on his knowledge of Valdez.

Valdez also is backed by Planned Parenthood Texas Votes and the political arm of the Texas AFL-CIO.

White has been endorsed by the Houston Chronicle and the Dallas Morning News. The Morning News wrote that during its editorial board meeting, she said she didn’t know if the state is spending $8 million or $8 billion on border control.

The GLBT Political Caucus in Houston also backed White, even though Valdez was the first lesbian to be elected Dallas County sheriff.

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings — like Jenkins, a Democrat — said at a Texas Tribune forum Friday that he didn’t intend to make an endorsement in the primary election.

Peggy Fikac is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | pfikac@express-news.net | @pfikac