County commish Garcia loses to political unknown

HOUSTON Commissioner Sylvia Garcia has held that position since 2002, and prior to that, held elected positions in the City of Houston. Garcia is the first woman and Hispanic to be elected Harris County Commissioner. She was also chief judge of the Houston Municipal Courts for five terms earlier in her career.

Her most recent challenge as commissioner was reducing county expenses because of a budget shortfall. Garcia is currently behind in the vote count to Republican challenger, Attorney Jack Morman, and she linked to a Facebook post in the early hours of this morning, from her campaign website.

"Thank you everyone for your votes & your support, we worked hard. We did everything we could. But in the end, it's up to the voters & they have spoken. With only one precinct out, we came out short 65,268 (Morman) to 62,306 (Garcia). I love this job; it's been a great eight years. We now move forward to the challenges ahead. Thank you & god bless." -- Sylvia Garcia, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner

The commissioner did not speak to her supporters publicly in person last night, wanting instead to wait to see all the votes counted, but did post that statement early this morning.