WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - Republican Greg Abbott has won the Texas governor's race, Fox News, ABC and CBS projected on Tuesday, defeating Democrat Wendy Davis, a state senator who drew national attention last year when she filibustered a proposal to limit abortion rights.

Abbott, 56, Texas' attorney general, had a big financial advantage as well as the fact Democrats have not won a statewide election in Texas in two decades. He will replace Republican Rick Perry, who is retiring and is considered a likely 2016 Republican presidential contender.