In a significant upset, Democrat Taylor Rehmet has defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss for the open Texas Senate District 9 seat in Tarrant County, according to complete but unofficial returns. This outcome marks a notable shift in a county identified as the largest Republican county in the nation.
A Close Contest in Tarrant County
With 100% of the vote tallied, Rehmet, a union president in Fort Worth, secured 54,267 votes, representing approximately 57% of the total. Wambsganss, a longtime conservative activist, received 40,598 votes, or roughly 43%. The special runoff election was held to fill the seat vacated last year by Sen. Kelly Hancock, who resigned to become the acting Texas comptroller.
The race gained national attention following November’s special election, where Rehmet garnered 46% of the vote in a three-way contest against Wambsganss and John Huffman. Both candidates engaged in aggressive campaigning in the lead-up to the runoff.
National Implications and Party Response
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) actively supported Rehmet’s campaign, focusing on voter turnout. DNC Deputy Communications Director Abhi Rahman stated the election was “a crucial test to keep Fort Worth moving forward” and highlighted the party’s efforts to build infrastructure in Texas.
President Donald Trump urged Republicans to support Wambsganss via Truth Social, a message echoed by state and county GOP leaders. Despite this, Gov. Greg Abbott expressed confidence in Republican turnout, stating, “We know there are more Republican voters there than Democratic voters there, and we’re going to turn out all our voters.”
Polling locations in Tarrant County experienced significant lines on Tuesday, with reported wait times of up to 45 minutes. Voters indicated a strong sense of civic duty, with some stating they were prepared to wait for extended periods to cast their ballots.
Looking Ahead
More than 45,600 voters cast ballots early, despite challenging weather conditions. While Wambsganss needed to outperform Rehmet in Tuesday’s vote, Rehmet previously won more votes than both Republican candidates combined on Election Day in November. The winner will serve the remainder of Hancock’s term, which concludes at the end of December.
Rehmet and Wambsganss are anticipated to compete again in November for a full four-year term beginning in January 2027. It is possible that national political trends and continued organizing efforts will play a significant role in that election. It is also possible that voter turnout will differ in the November election. A further shift in the political landscape could occur depending on the issues that dominate the campaign cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Texas Senate District 9 special election?
Democrat Taylor Rehmet defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss in the special election for Texas Senate District 9.
Where is Tarrant County located?
Tarrant County is located in Texas and includes Fort Worth and its surrounding suburbs.
When does the winner’s term expire?
The winner of the runoff will serve the remainder of Sen. Kelly Hancock’s term, which expires at the end of December.
What factors do you believe will be most influential in the upcoming November election for the full four-year term?
