Dallas (WBAP/KLIF News) – Dallas County Republicans were cheering and glad-handing all night at the election returns watch party, held at the Westin Park Central.
Dallas County Republican Chairman Phillip Huffines, who early in the evening promised many victory speeches, took the opportunity to spike the ball, so to speak.
“None of the talking heads, the pundits, no one thought that Trump could pull this off, not even Fox News,” Huffines told the crowd. “But ladies and gentlemen, get used to saying President Trump.”
The crowd was several hundred strong. They stayed glued to two large screen TVs, cheering as states were called for Trump, and close congressional races were called for Republican candidates.
In downtown Dallas, though, it was a different scene entirely. The Dallas County Democrats were holding a more somber watch party at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. There were audible groans when Iowa was called for Trump, but when CNN called Nevada for Hillary Clinton, a boisterous cheer went up. Still, by 11:00, people were headed to the parking lot.
County Judge Clay Jenkins was philosophical, saying regardless of who the next president would be, business still had to get done, and both sides of the aisle had to work together.
“I think there are some opportunities to work together, on criminal justice reform, mental health issues, hopefully on transportation,” said Jenkins. “You know, tomorrow we have to get up, go back to work, get back to governing. We all have to work together; I’ll be dedicated to doing that.”
There were some bright spots for Dallas County Democrats, though. Incumbents Eddie Bernice Johnson and Marc Veasey will be going back to the US House of Representatives, and Sheriff Lupe Valdez handily won re-election.