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19h ago

Democrat Taylor Rehmet Flips Deep-Red Texas Senate Seat in Special Election

The union leader and Air Force veteran serves only until early January, with a November rematch set in a low-turnout district that drew heavy national involvement.

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The State Capitol is seen in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
A Leigh Wambsganss campaign sign is displayed at Keller Town Halll on Jan. 31 for the Senate District 9 special runoff election.
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Overview

  • Rehmet defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss by more than 14 points in Texas Senate District 9, which Trump carried by about 17 points in 2024.
  • Turnout was notably low, with fewer than 20% of registered voters participating, and GOP leaders labeled the result a wake-up call for their party.
  • President Donald Trump endorsed Wambsganss and urged supporters to vote, while Rehmet benefited from national Democratic support including a reported $500,000 ad buy by VoteVets.
  • The seat was vacated when four-term Republican Sen. Kelly Hancock resigned to take a statewide post, ending decades of uninterrupted GOP control of the district.
  • Rehmet’s win is largely symbolic for now, as Republicans retain a strong majority in Austin and the Senate does not reconvene until 2027.