Incumbent Rick Perry defeats Kay Bailey Smith in the gubernatorial GOP primary . Perry will face then - Houston Mayor Bill Richardson in general election . His opponent in the general election will be Democrat Bill White , the former Houston mayor who dispatched six opponents in the Democratic primary . Perry is longest - serving governor in Texas history .
Incumbent Rick Perry defeats Kay Bailey Smith in the gubernatorial GOP primary . Perry will face then - Houston Mayor Bill Richardson in general election . Perry is longest - serving governor in Texas history .