Fort Worth, Texas, February 7, 2026
In a surprising political upset, Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a special election to take a traditionally Republican state Senate seat in Tarrant County. He garnered over 57% of the vote against Republican Leigh Wambsganss, whose campaign had the backing of former President Donald Trump. Rehmet’s win signifies a notable shift in voter sentiment, particularly in a district that had previously favored Trump by a considerable margin. His focus on working-class issues resonated with constituents, and his victory raises challenges for the Republican Party moving forward.
Fort Worth, Texas – Democrat Taylor Rehmet Wins Special Election, Flipping Republican State Senate Seat
Fort Worth, Texas – In a significant political upset, Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a special election on January 31, 2026, flipping a traditionally Republican state Senate seat in Tarrant County. Rehmet secured over 57% of the vote in the runoff, defeating Republican Leigh Wambsganss, who had previously been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. This victory is notable as the district had been won by Trump by 17 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election, highlighting a substantial shift in voter sentiment.
Election Details
The special election was held to fill the vacancy left by Republican Senator Kelly Hancock, who resigned to become the chief clerk of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. In the initial round on November 4, 2025, Rehmet led with 47.6% of the vote, followed by Wambsganss with 35.9%, and Republican John Huffman with 16.5%. Since no candidate achieved a majority, a runoff was conducted on January 31, 2026, where Rehmet emerged victorious by a margin exceeding 14 percentage points.
Campaign Focus
Rehmet’s campaign concentrated on addressing working-class issues, including reducing living costs and enhancing public education. His background as an Air Force veteran, labor union leader, and machinist resonated with many voters in the district. Despite being outspent by Wambsganss, Rehmet’s grassroots organizing and targeted messaging contributed to his success.
Implications for the Republican Party
The outcome of this election has raised concerns among Republican leaders. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick acknowledged the loss as a wake-up call, attributing it to low voter turnout and increased Democratic motivation following Trump’s return to the White House. This defeat adds to a series of Democratic overperformances in special elections since 2025, indicating potential challenges for Republicans in upcoming elections.
Looking Ahead
Rehmet will serve a short term until January 2027 and is expected to face Wambsganss again in the November 2026 general election for a full four-year term. The Texas Legislature remains under Republican control, but this unexpected victory for Democrats in a traditionally red district may influence campaign strategies and voter engagement in the lead-up to the 2026 midterms.
Key Features of the Election
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Date | January 31, 2026 |
| Winner | Taylor Rehmet (Democrat) |
| Runner-up | Leigh Wambsganss (Republican) |
| District | Texas State Senate District 9 (Tarrant County) |
| Previous Election Result | Donald Trump won the district by 17 percentage points in 2024 |
| Campaign Focus | Working-class issues, reducing living costs, enhancing public education |
| Rehmet’s Background | Air Force veteran, labor union leader, machinist |
| Next Election | November 2026 general election for a full four-year term |
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
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