The outlines of the Texas gubernatorial election were set Tuesday when Gov. Rick Perry (left) won the Republican nomination and former Houston mayor Bill White triumphed in the Democratic field.

According to the Associated Press, Perry easily defeated his main opponent, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, in order to face White in November.

“Perry emerged from the rancorous fight with Texas' senior senator and a third candidate backed by some in the tea party movement to face a Democrat in many ways his polar opposite,” reports the AP. “Former Houston Mayor Bill White, a calm consensus-builder, easily defeated six opponents to win his party's nomination.”

Analysts say that White, who led Houston before new gay mayor Annise Parker, represents the Democrats’ best hope in a long time to win the governor’s mansion in Texas. Perry, who succeeded George W. Bush in 2000, is the state’s longest-serving governor, although he had to overcome anti-incumbent sentiment during the primary to avoid being ousted.

According to the Dallas Voice, White said in December that his support for gay relationship recognition only extends to civil unions. However, gay activists say his record is far superior to Perry’s.