Although prior to the election year, Governor Ann Richards held a large approval rating as the state economy was strong into the mid-term election. George Bush's campaigning on cultural and religious issues resonated with many Texan voters and Governor Richard's lead over Bush significantly narrowed up to election day into a tossup.
On election day, Bush carried 188 of the state's 254 counties, while Richards carried 66. Exit polls revealed that Bush won overwhelmingly among white voters (69% to 31%) while Richards performed well among African Americans (83% to 15%) and Latinos (75% to 25%). The 1994 election marked the last time that a Democrat won more than 45% of the vote in a gubernatorial election and was the last election in which the Democrats won any statewide offices.
Government
