Briscoe Cain's Victory Over Rep. Wayne Smith Stands After Recount

^{*Editor's note: This story has been updated throughout.}

After a recount, Briscoe Cain remains the winner in his Republican primary challenge to state Rep. Wayne Smith of Baytown.

Cain, an attorney from Deer Park, edged out Smith, a longtime incumbent, by 23 votes last month in House District 128. After initially conceding defeat in the May 24 primary runoff, Smith requested a recount.

Cain maintained his 23-vote margin of victory in the recount, Republican officials said Friday afternoon. The recount was done at the Harris County clerk's office with attorneys for both candidates in attendance.

"We are blessed to remain victorious today," Cain said in a statement. "We were outspent nearly 8 to 1 in this runoff but the people saw past the misleading attacks and chose to restore conservative representation to District 128."

In his own statement, Smith thanked voters in HD 128 for electing him for seven terms.

"It has been my distinct honor and high privilege to have served the hard working men and women of District 128," Smith said. "For the past 14 years, I have worked on the issues that really impact the voters most. I leave with no regrets."

At least one other recount is pending from the May 24 runoffs. Killeen optometrist Austin Ruiz is pursuing one in the Republican primary for House District 54, where he lost to Killeen Mayor Scott Cosper by 43 votes.

The deadline for requesting a recount of last month's primary runoffs is 5 p.m. Monday.