State Rep. McReynolds takes presumptive win over Brookshire
November 5th, 2008
Lufkin Daily News
Democratic state Rep. Jim McReynolds of Lufkin appeared to have defeated his Republican opponent, Van Brookshire, with 57.7 percent of the votes early Wednesday.
McReynolds led Brookshire, 26,675 votes to 19,545, with 89 percent of precincts reporting as of 1 a.m. Wednesday. A win would see McReynolds resume his spot as District 12 representative to the Texas Legislature.
The incumbent spent the night at the Angelina County Democratic headquarters watching the numbers come in as Obama was announced the winner and McReynolds’ own numbers crept toward a victory.
“I’ve lived a very long time and I have a degree in history, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” McReynolds said moments after the win. “We are watching history unfold.”
McReynolds has served in the armed forces, as a teacher, a Scout leader and a church leader, according to his Web site. He said he hopes the state and country are able to move forward after Tuesday’s election.
“I hope we unite ourselves and come together now,” he said. “It’s been too long.”
In Angelina County, McReynolds captured 59.1 percent of the vote, getting 16,849 votes to Brookshire’s 11,660.
A native East Texan, Brookshire has run his own business for more than 15 years, served as the San Jacinto County Republican Chair and as interim County Judge before running for office.
“I would like to thank everybody that helped with this race and all the support we have received,” said Brookshire.