PAUL J. WEBER, Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Republican Greg Abbott has been elected Texas governor in a decisive victory over Democrat Wendy Davis, whose national star power outshined her flickering candidacy.

As state attorney general, Abbott has stridently defended tough conservative Texas laws over voter ID and abortion.

He is the first new Texas governor in 14 years. Gov. Rick Perry, the longest-serving governor in state history, declined to seek a fourth full term while mulling another White House run in 2016.

Davis never gave Abbott a close race despite record-breaking fundraising and supporters nationwide. She was the most high-profile Texas Democrat to run in decades after winning fame with her nearly 13-hour filibuster over new Texas abortion restrictions last year.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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