JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — The polls are closed and early voting has ended for the race for Texas House Representative District 21.
The showdown between Dade Phelan and David Covey brought in thousands of voters from three major counties.
People living in Jasper, Orange and Jefferson Counties are making the critical choice between the incumbent Phelan and his opponent Covey.
Voters in all three counties fought the heat as they made their way to the polls to cast their ballots in one of the hottest races this spring.
"If you live in HD21 it is your duty to get out to the polls and vote," said Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman Joe Evans.
Ann Caldwell made her way to Rogers Park to show her support for republican challenger David Covey. She says she's ready for a change.
"He stands for all of the things that I believe in. This state needs to get back to the way it used to be," Caldwell said.
The most recent numbers show turnout in Jefferson County around 7,100
In Orange County around 7,600 voters took advantage of early voting this week.
"I take voting very seriously because after spending a year and a half in Vietnam, I came back home as a 20-year-old still not old enough to vote. So I vote. And when I vote early, it gives me a chance to get it over with and not miss it," said Orange County Voter Gerald Brignak.
Brignak made his way to the Mauriceville Community Center to show his support for Phelan. He welcomes Phelan's approach to reach across the aisle.
"I consider him to be more of a moderate and I'm not an extremist," Brignak said.
Jasper County Judge Mark Allen says his county saw higher-than-average voter turnout with more than 2,800 votes coming in.
Mary Buxton is a local from Buna who is supporting Covey. She says an endorsement by former President Donald Trump equaled her endorsement at the polls.
"He is standing for Southeast Texas values and rights and I believe he would be the best person for the job," Buxton said.
It's still a tight race to the finish line.
"Dade Phelan, he's been there before. I think experience pays off," said Ronald Witt a Jasper County voter.
Stay tuned on 12NewsNow.com to see updated numbers.