In a significant political shift, Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a special election on March 4, 2026, securing 57% of the vote in Texas Senate District 9. This election marks a notable upset, as Rehmet defeated Republican candidate Leigh Wambsganss in a district that has historically leaned Republican. Rehmet, a union leader and veteran of the Air Force, will fill a seat that became vacant following the resignation of Republican Kelly Hancock, who stepped down to become the state’s acting comptroller.
Despite facing a significant funding disadvantage, Rehmet’s campaign resonated with voters. In the days leading up to the election, former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Wambsganss, posting on social media three times to rally support. Additionally, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick contributed to a late push for Wambsganss, amplifying the Republican effort in a district that Trump won by 17 points in the 2024 presidential election.
Rehmet’s victory is particularly notable as it reflects shifting political sentiments within traditionally Republican strongholds. The district, encompassing a large portion of Tarrant County, is one of the largest Republican counties in the United States.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin described the win as a clear indication of Republican vulnerabilities. “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,” Martin stated.
Rehmet’s ascent in the political arena follows closely on the heels of a narrow defeat in the November election, where he came within approximately three percentage points of winning outright. Both Rehmet and Wambsganss are expected to run unopposed in their respective party primaries for the same seat in March 2026, suggesting a continued focus on this pivotal district.
As the political landscape evolves, Rehmet’s victory serves not only as a testament to his campaign efforts but also as a bellwether for the broader trends affecting both parties in upcoming elections.
