HD-66: Jackson and Taylor in a Runoff

With nearly all the votes counted, former Plano City Councilwoman Mabrie Jackson and Plano businessman Van Taylor are likely headed to a run-off to replace state Rep. Brian McCall, R-Plano.

"It was very clear that Plano wants a representative that is reflective of Plano, and we're going to work very, very hard to win this next election," Jackson said. As to how she'll proceed in the run-off, she said, "Well, I'm going to sleep tomorrow. Then we'll regroup, and we'll be ready to hit it."

Meanwhile, Taylor said, "It's clear that conservatives have spoken and rejected Mabrie's moderate message and negative attacks."

Jackson is the only candidate who has previously served in public office. “She is the only candidate who has been involved in the community at all levels,”  said McCall, who endorsed Jackson. Perceived as the establishment favorite, she was also endorsed by the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association, the Texas Hospital Association, the Texas State Teachers Association and The Dallas Morning News.

Taylor, meanwhile, has two factors in his favor: he's independently wealthy and has a solid resume. He serves as state chairman of the National Defense Committee and is the North Texas vice captain of Vets for Freedom, and he touts endorsements from Young Conservatives of Texas, the Texans for Fiscal Responsibility PAC and U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Dallas. Taylor has been “Tea Approved” by the North Texas Tea Party. He's no stranger to political campaigns — before moving to Plano, he tried and failed to unseat U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, in 2006.

The race was not  a friendly one. As Taylor mentioned in his comments, Jackson released a mailer and a website accusing her opponents of failing to mention a few items on their resumes. Taylor got hit for telling the Waco Tribune-Herald four years ago that he would stay in the area whether or not he lost his bid for Congress.