Democrat Taylor Rehmet achieved a significant victory in a special election for Texas Senate District 9, capturing 57% of the vote against Republican candidate Leigh Wambsganss. The election took place on Saturday, marking a notable shift in a district that has traditionally leaned Republican.
Rehmet, who is a union leader and Air Force veteran, will fill the seat left vacant since last summer when Republican Kelly Hancock resigned to take on the role of the state’s acting comptroller. Rehmet will serve the remaining 11 months of Hancock’s term. The district encompasses a significant portion of Tarrant County, one of the largest Republican strongholds in the United States.
Despite facing a formidable opponent and a significant spending disadvantage, Rehmet’s campaign resonated with voters. Just days before the election, former President Donald Trump made a late effort to support Wambsganss, posting on social media multiple times to rally support. Additionally, Dan Patrick, the state’s lieutenant governor, contributed to a funding push for Wambsganss in the final days of her campaign.
Rehmet’s victory is particularly striking given the district’s recent voting history. In the 2024 presidential election, Trump won the district by 17 points. The recent shift in voter sentiment has raised eyebrows, with Ken Martin, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, describing the outcome as a “warning sign to Republicans across the country.” Martin stated, “It’s clear as day that this disastrous Republican agenda is hurting working families in Texas and across the country, which is why voters in red, blue, and purple districts are putting their faith in candidates like Taylor Rehmet.”
This special election followed a previous contest in November, where Rehmet came within approximately three percentage points of winning outright, leading to Saturday’s runoff. Both candidates are expected to run unopposed in their respective party primaries scheduled for March 2025, setting the stage for a competitive race as they vie for a full term in the Texas Senate.
Rehmet’s win highlights a growing trend where voters in traditionally Republican areas are expressing dissatisfaction with current policies. The implications of this election may extend beyond Texas, as it reflects broader national sentiments regarding party performance and public priorities.
