SAN ANTONIO -- Republican Pete Flores defeated Democrat Pete Gallego in the special runoff election for State Senate District 19. It's a major upset in district that has traditionally favored Democrats. 

Flores had about 53 percent of the vote to Gallego's 47 percent in unofficial returns Tuesday night. Gallego conceded to Flores around 9 p.m. according to Flores' campaign. 

Tuesday night was the final round of a special election to replace former Democratic State Sen. Carlos Uresti, who resigned earlier this year after 11 felony convictions. The winner will finish Uresti's term which extends through 2020.

Flores is a former Texas game warden. He unsuccessfully ran against Uresti in 2016. Gallego is a former congressman who also served more than two decades in the Texas House.

In the first round of the special election, Flores received 34 percent of the vote, Gallego received 29 percent of the vote, and Roland Gutierrez received 24 percent.

District 19 runs along the Mexico border and includes parts of Bexar and Atascosa counties.

Governor Greg Abbott released a statement following Flores’ victory:

"I want to congratulate Pete Flores on his hard fought victory for State Senate in today's special election. I am proud to have endorsed Pete, and am certain he will fight for the interests of the people in SD-19, whether it’s improving education, reining in property taxes, or expanding economic opportunity. Pete’s strong law enforcement background will be invaluable to the legislature as we work to combat human trafficking and provide greater protections for our peace officers. I look forward to working alongside him next session to build a brighter future for all Texans.”