By Paul J. Weber, Associated Press – ABCNews.Go.com – Photo: The Associated Press.
Texas’ first Hispanic female sheriff announced Wednesday she is running for governor in 2018, making her the biggest Democrat in the race to challenge Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, who is stepping down as sheriff after 12 years to launch her campaign, starts out as an underdog. Texas hasn’t elected a Democratic governor since 1990 and Abbott coasted to a 20-point win just three years ago against Wendy Davis, whose defense of abortion rights catapulted her to national political stardom.
