Jefferson gets nod for 1st Congressional District Democratic nominee in primary runoff |

According to unofficial results from the Texas Secretary of State, Jefferson had earned 5,559 total votes, or about 76 percent, while Dunn received 1,768 votes, or about 24 percent.

As the results came in Tuesday night, Jefferson had a lot of people to thank, including a number of supporters who have been along his side during his campaign.

“I want to thank my Creator first, because I get to do this. Most people can’t set aside six months or a year to do this,” Jefferson said, noting it had been a long six months full of constant learning and growth.

“I tell people my cup is only a quarter full, I have a lot to continue to learn, a lot of people to meet, a lot of people to continue to represent,” he said.

Jefferson thanked the people who “voted for him twice” and “met him along this road” with support.

“I’m just a regular guy that has a heart for people, and we deserve better leadership than what we get,” Jefferson said. “ … We need to push aside our political parties. This seat is nonpartisan. For 20 years, Louie Gohmert represented only Republicans, and only the rich ones.”

Jefferson said the November race could be “possibly the best race ever in East Texas history.” “This will not be a runover election,” he added.

One of Jefferson’s areas of focus will be bringing more people out to the polls in November. “Less than 10 percent” is not enough of a turnout to bring about change, he said.

“Barack Obama said it best. If the 99 percent vote, it doesn’t matter what the one percent said,” Jefferson said. “We want to inspire everybody to come out and participate in electing their leaders.”

In the March primary, Jefferson was also the leading candidate with about 46 percent compared to Dunn’s 28 percent.

East Texas native Dunn was hoping to bring a “common sense” approach to the congressional seat, but he said “the voters have spoken, and we have to live with the results.”

“My opponent is obviously a worthy adversary and I have nothing but high praise for him and wish him nothing but the best in the general election,” Dunn said after the loss on Tuesday night.

From here, Dunn said he will be taking a break to reassess and clear his head before deciding his next move in politics.

Dunn also said he hopes to see more coverage in the media for the Democratic Party because press is what helps people become more aware of elections and why they are important.

“We don’t get the kind of coverage that is necessary to get the people out,” he said.

Now the Democratic nominee, Jefferson will face current Smith County Judge Moran, who garnered about 62 percent of the votes in the March primary to secure a spot on the November ballot.

After securing the Republican nomination in March, Moran said serving East Texas at the federal level would mean representation based on local values, listening to constituents and problem-solving in Smith County that has happened during his five years as county judge.

“We’re going to continue to work with the expectation that in November we’re going to finalize this victory, but there’s a lot be done between now and then,” Moran said in March.

Gohmert, R-Tyler, is vacating his congressional seat after challenging Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the GOP primary. Gohmert finished last among the four AG candidates.