By KELLEY SHANNON, AP Political Writer
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Former Houston Mayor Bill White has won the Democratic nomination for Texas governor, outpacing six challengers and giving his party its best hope in years to take back the office.
White had nearly 76 percent of the vote with a handful of precincts reporting to defeat wealthy Houston hair-care magnate Farouk Shami and five other lesser-known candidates during Tuesday's primary election.
White also is a well-funded businessman who made a name for himself during his city's response to the Hurricane Katrina evacuation.
White will face the winner of the Republican primary in the November general election. Gov. Rick Perry, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and GOP activist Debra Medina are vying for that nomination in a hard-hitting primary that has overshadowed the Democratic race.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
