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Republican Greg Abbott will be the next governor of Texas after defeating Democrat Wendy Davis Tuesday in a closely-watched campaign.

Davis was once talked about as Democrats’ best shot at turning the red state purple. She excited Democrats in the state and around the country after her defiant filibuster on the floor of the Texas Senate in opposition to a strict anti-abortion bill. That action propelled Davis into the arms of donors and into the gubernatorial race.

But Davis failed to make any definitive move against Abbott, the state Attorney General. Abbott continuously led in the polls throughout the race and polled ahead of Davis by an average of 15 points heading into Election Day.

Abbott will replace Gov. Rick Perry, the longest-serving governor in Texas state history.

- Leigh Ann Caldwell