At the time, the territory around Alice was controlled by a political operator named George Parr. There were whispers that Parr had worked with Johnson supporters to fabricate additional votes for their candidate. Citing such rumors, Stevenson refused to concede. He challenged the election results at the Texas State Democratic Convention, held September 14 in Fort Worth. Johnson proved to be the cannier operator, however. Following intense political infighting and a court challenge, Johnson was declared winner of the primary by a mere 87 votes. The additional votes from Precinct Box 13 made the difference.