Dutton just won a special election against Money to fill expelled Rep. Bryan Slaton’s unexpired term through the end of the year.

Money fell short in the runoff for House District 2, despite winning the support of a who’s who of Texas Republican leaders.

The contest has served as a bellwether in the Texas GOP’s warring factions.

The two feuding Republicans were the top two finishers in a November special election to succeed expelled state Rep. Bryan Slaton, R-Royse City, in House District 2.

The runoff features two Republicans from dueling factions of the party, Jill Dutton and Brent Money, vying to finish the term of former state Rep. Bryan Slaton, R-Royse City.

Five Republicans and one Democrat were on the ballot for the ruby-red seat, but most of the drama has focused on two GOP candidates, Dutton and Money.

The House unanimously voted in May to expel Slaton after a committee investigation found he had sex with a 19-year-old intern after getting her drunk.

Candidates are promising to restore integrity to the district, including one Republican who has welcomed endorsements from some of Slaton’s leading supporters.