NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — The 21st U.S. District race to replace U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith was a crowded one on the GOP ticket with 18 candidates, but Matt McCall and Chip Roy came out on top.

The two will face off against each other in a runoff in May.

Roy finishing the night with 27 percent of total votes, while McCall getting nearly 17 percent.

Roy is no stranger to Texas politics — He was chief of staff for Senator Ted Cruz, who backed Roy for this election.

McCall is  a conservative Texas businessman with no previous experience in politics.

This was an open seat since Smith announced his retirement. Political experts say the wide range of candidates in this race speaks to the change in Texas politics.

Joseph Kopser and Mary Wilson will compete in the Democratic runoff, scheduled for May 22.