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44m ago

Democrat Taylor Rehmet Flips Deep-Red Texas Senate Seat by Double Digits

The upset in a Trump‑plus‑17 district sends the union leader to Austin for a short term before a November rematch.

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The State Capitol is seen in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
AUSTIN, TEXAS - AUGUST 16: People rally during the "Stop the Trump takeover" demonstration outside of the State Capitol on August 16, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Over 200 nationwide demonstrations occurred today against the Trump administration's newly introduced redistricting plans. Earlier last week, Texas Democratic lawmakers fled to Illinois in an attempt to protest and deny quorum for votes on the proposed Republican redistricting plan, which would secure five additional GOP seats in the U.S. House. The Democratic lawmakers are preparing to return to Texas early next week after the special legislative session called by Gov. Greg Abbott came to an end yesterday. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Rehmet defeated Trump-backed Leigh Wambsganss by more than 14 points in Tarrant County’s District 9, which Trump carried by about 17 in 2024.
  • The Air Force veteran and union machinist prevailed despite a large fundraising disadvantage, while VoteVets reported about $500,000 in ads supporting him.
  • Trump urged voters to support Wambsganss before the runoff, then downplayed the result by noting he was not on the ballot.
  • Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Wambsganss called the outcome a wake-up call for Republicans after a low-turnout Saturday election.
  • Rehmet will hold the seat only until early January and is slated to face Wambsganss again in November, as Republicans maintain a comfortable Texas Senate majority.