AUSTIN — A week after the primary runoffs, State Rep. Lorraine Birabil conceded to attorney Jasmine Crockett in the tight race for House District 100, ending her short tenure as the district’s representative.
“While the results were not what we hoped, serving the community I’ve called home for the last 20 years has truly been the honor of a lifetime,” Birabil said. “I want to congratulate Jasmine Crockett on her efforts and wish her luck. I look forward to continuing the necessary work on the issues that matter most, including affordable health care, quality public schools, voting rights and criminal justice reform.”
Birabil was elected to the seat in a special election runoff in January to fill the remainder of the term vacated by Rep. Eric Johnson, now Dallas mayor. But to represent the district in the next legislative session in January, Birabil had to win again in November.
The district stretches from West Dallas to Mesquite.
Crockett did not run in the five-way race to fill Johnson’s seat late last year but filed to run in this year’s March Democratic primary. Birabil, who had already been the top vote getter in a November election and sealed her win in a runoff in January, had the advantage of calling herself an incumbent and the support of much of the Dallas Democratic elite.
But Crockett, who billed herself as a grassroots progressive, painted Birabil as a political insider propped up by powerful friends and their money. By contrast, she said, her campaign was about “boots on the ground” and small-dollar donations.
“The voters have spoken, and this victory is yours,” Crockett told her supporters in a statement after officials had counted all absentee ballots on Monday and she maintained a 90-vote victory.
“I will zealously represent each person in every corner of our district and make sure our collective voice is heard,” Crockett said.
On election night, Birabil had jumped out to an early lead and appeared to be on her way to winning the seat. But as the night wore on, the race became closer. As the final votes were counted, Crockett jumped out to a 92-vote lead.
The next day, Birabil said she would wait until all the absentee votes were counted before making an announcement about her next move. Such a small margin could lead to a recount.
But after all the absentee ballots came in, Birabil opted to accept the results and conceded the race. She will remain in office until the new Legislature is sworn in next January.
Crockett, who does not have a Republican opponent in November, now has a clear path toward serving the district in the next Legislature.
On her Facebook page, Crockett celebrated her victory and thanked Birabil.
“What has been a long campaign has finally ended in victory,” Crockett said. “I thank the people for their vote of confidence. I look forward to serving you and being your voice in Austin.”
