Sheets’ campaign was boosted by major endorsements from Gov. Greg Abbott, Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham and industry groups like the Texas Farm Bureau.

U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Houston, was defeated and four other incumbents — Democrats and Republicans — found themselves in close races or runoffs as votes were still being counted early Wednesday.

The most expensive state House primaries this cycle were proxy wars over issues including casinos, tort reform and a lingering battle between establishment Republicans and more hardline conservatives.