A Hispanic female ex-sheriff has won the Democratic runoff to become the first openly gay and first Latina nominated for governor.

While Lupe Valdez's victory Tuesday breaks barriers, the 70-year-old former Dallas County sheriff faces long odds of ousting Republican Gov. Greg Abbott this fall.

Thank you, Texas! Tonight is for you! pic.twitter.com/onGtnEU53s — Lupe Valdez (@LupeValdez) May 23, 2018

"Together we're going to make it happen -- a stronger and fairer Texas. A tolerant and diverse Texas. A Texas where the everyday person has a voice and a fair shot just as I did," Valdez said late Tuesday night.

She defeated Andrew White, the son of a former governor who pitched himself as a moderate Democrat in deep-red Texas.

At his campaign watch party in Houston, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew White conceded the race for his party's nomination to Lupe Valdez Tuesday night.

"Lupe has my well wishes to put together a winning campaign," White said. He said he called Valdez and gave her his full support.

Congratulations to @LupeValdez for winning the Democratic nomination for Governor of Texas. She has my endorsement and my support.



Let’s #DoRightTX and win in November! — Andrew White (@randrewwhite) May 23, 2018

The runoff generated little enthusiasm among Democrats. Valdez has struggled to raise money and fumbled some questions on policy. Party activists have also attacked her for cooperating with federal immigration agents as sheriff.

NBC 5 Political Reporter Julie Fine breaks down the November race between incumbent Governor Greg Abbott and Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee Lupe Valdez.