From The Hill: Democrats scored a stunning upset on Saturday in a special election runoff for Texas Senate, according to a projection from Decision Desk HQ, giving the party a major boost ahead of the November midterms.
Fort Worth Democrat Taylor Rehmet, a machinist and Air Force veteran, defeated Southlake Republican Leigh Wambsganss to fill the vacant state Senate District 9.
The district favored President Trump — who endorsed Wambsganss earlier on Saturday — by 17 points in 2024. The race went to a runoff after none of the candidates were able to clinch a majority in the November election.
Rehmet’s overperformance in the fall stoked concerns for the GOP, and a number of prominent party leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott (R), intervened in the race in an effort to boost Wambsganss.
The report explains that the state senate seat opened up after Republican state Sen. Kelly Hancock was tapped as acting state comptroller.
President Trump confirmed his endorsement for Wambsganss at 1:30 p.m. Saturday – half-way into election day.
There are just under 4 hours left to vote for Leigh Wambsganss for Texas Senate. @POTUS has weighed in again for @LeighForTexas Thank you, Mr. President. @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/SWXJjUTv3k
— Tim O’Hare, Tarrant County Judge (@TimothyOHare) January 31, 2026
Retired journalist Scott Gordon noted that the district “hasn’t voted Democratic in half a century.”
POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE in Tarrant County, Texas, the biggest red county in the country. Democrat Taylor Rehmet beats Republican Leigh Wambsganss in state senate district that Trump carried in 2024 by 17 points. The district hasn’t voted Democratic in half a century. pic.twitter.com/FRPpfMVO7d
— ScottGordon (@ScottGordonDFW) February 1, 2026
Congratulations to Taylor Rehmet for flipping a blood red Trump +17 district solid BLUE! pic.twitter.com/vrQ9LWSu1m
— Texas Paul (@RealTexasPaul1) February 1, 2026
This is the Republican candidate Texas voters rejected:
Today is Election Day, and it’s the last day to cast your ballot. Polls are open 7am-7pm.
If you believe in safer communities and leadership that will stand firm for our values, now is the moment.
Polls are open. Show up. Vote today. You can vote at any Tarrant County polling… pic.twitter.com/sVL6VU721K
— Leigh Wambsganss (@LeighForTexas) January 31, 2026
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