Former El Paso Democratic Mayor John Cook has clinched his party's nomination for land commissioner.
Lamenting that no one from El Paso has ever captured statewide office, Cook ran unopposed Tuesday. He will face George P. Bush in the general election.
Recommended Videos
Cook sought the nomination even after he knew it would mean running against Bush, a Republican whose uncle and grandfather are former presidents and whose father is ex-governor of Florida.
A guitar player, Vietnam War veteran and former school teacher, Cook also owned several small businesses.
He was mayor from 2005 until last year, when term limits prevented him from running again.
Cook has spent little money campaigning, but it's more than he's reported raising. With his famous political name, Bush has raked in more than $3.5 million.
Bush, the 37-year-old son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, won his party's nomination, easily defeating businessman David Watts on Tuesday to secure the Republican nomination for Texas land commissioner.
Bush's mother, Columba, is from Mexico. His grandfather and uncle are former Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush, who also was a Texas governor.
George P. Bush, a Fort Worth attorney, has worked to tamp down lofty expectations. But the Texas GOP has touted him and his political royalty surname as key to wooing Hispanic voters.
Bush becomes the overwhelming favorite in November against former El Paso Democratic Mayor Cook.
He has raised a whopping $3.5-plus million -- an unheard-of sum for land commissioner, who administers state-owned lands and mineral resources.