Fort Worth, Texas, February 1, 2026
In a notable political upset, Democrat Taylor Rehmet has won the special election for Texas State Senate District 9, a district that has been a Republican stronghold for decades. Rehmet, a labor union leader and Air Force veteran, defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss by over 14 percentage points. This victory represents a significant shift in the political landscape, particularly given that President Trump won the district by 17 points in the previous election. Rehmet will need to compete again for a full term in the upcoming November election.
Fort Worth, Texas – Democrat Taylor Rehmet wins special election for State Senate District 9
Fort Worth, Texas – In a significant political upset, Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a special election for the Texas State Senate District 9 seat, flipping a district that has been reliably Republican for decades. Rehmet, a labor union leader and Air Force veteran, defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss by over 14 percentage points in the Fort Worth-area district.
Election Results
With almost all votes counted, Rehmet secured a comfortable lead, marking a substantial shift in a district that President Donald Trump won by 17 points in 2024. This victory adds to a trend of Democratic overperformance in special elections under Trump’s second term. The seat became vacant after four-term GOP incumbent Kelly Hancock resigned to take a statewide office. Despite Trump’s backing of Wambsganss, Rehmet received national support, including $500,000 in ads from VoteVets. Democratic leaders hailed the result as a warning to Republicans. While Rehmet’s win is only for the remainder of the term until January, he will need to compete again in November for a full term. Republicans continue to hold a solid majority in the Texas Legislature, which will not reconvene until 2027.
Background
Rehmet, born in Garland, Texas, served in the United States Air Force and later became an aircraft mechanic and union leader in Fort Worth. His campaign focused on economic issues such as lowering costs, supporting public education, and protecting jobs. The district, which covers most of Fort Worth and its conservative northern suburbs, has been a Republican stronghold for decades. Rehmet’s victory is seen as a significant shift in the political landscape of the area.
Implications
This election outcome is viewed as a potential indicator of changing political dynamics in traditionally conservative regions. Rehmet’s success suggests that Democratic candidates may have a stronger appeal in areas previously considered GOP strongholds. The upcoming November election will be crucial for Rehmet to secure a full four-year term and further solidify the Democratic presence in the Texas State Senate.
Key Features of the Election
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Winner | Taylor Rehmet (Democrat) |
| Defeated Candidate | Leigh Wambsganss (Republican) |
| District | Texas State Senate District 9 |
| Location | Fort Worth, Texas |
| Previous Political Affiliation of District | Reliably Republican |
| Rehmet’s Background | Labor union leader and Air Force veteran |
| Election Date | January 31, 2026 |
| Vote Margin | Over 14 percentage points |
| Trump’s 2024 District Performance | Won by 17 points |
| Rehmet’s Campaign Focus | Lowering costs, supporting public education, protecting jobs |
| National Support for Rehmet | $500,000 in ads from VoteVets |
| Next Election | November 2026 for a full four-year term |
| Texas Legislature Reconvening | Not until 2027 |
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