Democrat Taylor Rehmet Flips Deep Red Texas Senate District in Special Election Stunner
FORT WORTH, Texas — In a significant political upset that reverberates far beyond state lines, Democrat Taylor Rehmet has won the special election runoff for Texas Senate District 9, flipping a seat that has been under Republican control for more than three decades.
Unofficial results show Rehmet, a union leader and Air Force veteran, defeating Republican Leigh Wambsganss by a decisive margin. Rehmet secured approximately 57.2% of the vote compared to 42.8% for Wambsganss, marking a stunning shift in a district that former President Donald Trump carried by 17 percentage points in the 2024 election.
The victory for Rehmet represents a massive swing in voter sentiment within the Tarrant County-based district, which includes parts of Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, and Southlake. The seat became open after long-time Republican incumbent Kelly Hancock resigned to accept a statewide position. Republicans have held the district since 1991, making it a reliable stronghold for the party until Saturday night.
The race drew national attention due to the involvement of high-profile Republican figures. Former President Trump personally endorsed Wambsganss, a conservative activist and executive at the wireless provider Patriot Mobile. Trump had actively campaigned for her on social media, describing her as a “true MAGA Warrior” and urging his supporters to “Keep Texas Red.” Despite this high-level backing and a significant fundraising advantage for the Republican campaign, the district’s voters delivered a clear rebuke at the ballot box.
“Tonight, this win goes to everyday working people,” Rehmet told supporters at his victory party in Fort Worth. His campaign focused heavily on local issues, including public education funding and affordable housing, positioning himself as a pragmatic alternative to what he described as political extremism.
Political analysts view the result as a potential bellwether for the upcoming midterm elections. The 32-point swing from the 2024 presidential margin suggests that suburban voters in traditionally conservative strongholds may be moving away from the Republican party’s current direction. The outcome serves as a stark warning to the GOP as they look to defend their majority in the state legislature and retain statewide offices.
Wambsganss, who had campaigned on border security and property tax reduction, conceded the race late Saturday. The loss is particularly stinging for local conservative groups who have invested heavily in transforming local school boards and municipal governments in the area.
Rehmet will serve the remainder of the unexpired term, which runs through January 2027. He will face reelection for a full four-year term in November.
* star-telegram.com
* star-telegram.com
* ksat.com
* texasobserver.org
* texastribune.org
* gelliottmorris.com
* cbsnews.com
* keranews.org
* washingtonexaminer.com
