Election 2014

Texas remains true red: Greg Abbott trounces Wendy Davis in governor's race

Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott trounced his Democratic opponent State Sen. Wendy Davis to become the next governor of Texas, although the vote count was much closer in Harris County.

Statewide, Abbott outpolled Davis by 20 points (with 88 percent of the vote counted) but in Harris County, he nipped Davis by 51 percent to 47 percent.

"The people of Texas have spoken and I am deeply honored to be your next Texas governor," Abbott said to a cheering crowd, adding that he had spoken to Davis. "I thanked her and told her what I want to tell you, whether you voted for me, against me, or didn't vote at all, I am going to work every single day to keep Texas the best state in the United States of America."

Republicans won all contested statewide races and virtually all such races in Harris County. In the most hotly fought race in Harris County, District Attorney Devon Anderson appears to have staved off a tough challenge from attorney Kim Ogg to win election. Anderson won 53 percent of votes to Ogg's 47 percent.

this week's hot headlines

Retro diner's debut and Spring Branch shutter lead week's top stories

Buttermilk Baby Carvel soft serve

Photo by Brian Kennedy

Find Carvel soft serve at Buttermilk Baby.

Editor's note: It's time to recap the top stories on CultureMap from this past week.

1. Ben Berg’s retro Heights diner opens with burgers, biscuits, and Carvel. The restaurant serves pancakes and biscuits in the morning, burgers and chicken sandwiches for lunch and dinner, and a full selection of New York’s celebrated Carvel ice cream for children of all ages..

2. Embattled Houston hospitality group shutters Texas comfort food eatery. It's the company's third restaurant closure this year.

3. Hermann Park moves full steam ahead with new electric trains. The biggest differences riders will notice is smoother travel and a lack of fumes blowing back.

4. Favorite Heights pizzeria opens new location in Bellaire. Having found success in the Heights, the restaurant is already expanding.

5. Buzzy Houston wine bar shakes things up with first-ever cocktail menu. Now you can pair an espresso martini or prickly pear mezcal margarita with your bruschetta board.

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