Fort Worth, Texas, February 1, 2026

Democrat Taylor Rehmet has claimed victory in a special election for the Texas state Senate District 9, marking a notable shift in this traditionally Republican district. Rehmet, a labor union leader and Air Force veteran, defeated Republican candidate Leigh Wambsganss with a significant lead, flipping the seat that had been held by Republicans for decades. This victory adds to the growing trend of Democratic success in Texas and reflects changes in voter sentiment, especially regarding issues like cost of living and public education.

Fort Worth, Texas

Democrat Taylor Rehmet has won a special election for the Texas state Senate, flipping a district that President Donald Trump carried by 17 points in 2024.

Rehmet, a labor union leader and Air Force veteran, defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss, a conservative activist, in the Fort Worth-area district. With almost all votes counted, Rehmet held a comfortable lead of more than 14 percentage points.

The seat became available after four-term Republican Kelly Hancock resigned to take a statewide office. Hancock had won comfortably in previous elections, and a Republican had held the district for decades.

Rehmet’s victory adds to Democrats’ record of overperforming in special elections across the state. This win signals a notable shift in political dynamics within Texas, particularly in the notoriously Republican stronghold of District 9.

Background

The Texas state Senate District 9 seat became vacant when Republican Senator Kelly Hancock resigned to take a statewide office. Hancock had held the seat for four terms and had been re-elected easily each time. The district, which includes parts of Fort Worth and its northern suburbs, has been reliably Republican for decades. In the 2024 presidential election, Trump won the district by 17 percentage points. Rehmet, who campaigned on lowering costs, supporting public education, and protecting jobs, marks a significant political shift in a district that has long been considered a Republican stronghold.

Political Implications of Rehmet’s Victory

Rehmet’s victory in District 9 has potential implications for the broader political landscape in Texas. As Democrats continue to outperform expectations, there may be increased enthusiasm for Democratic candidates in traditionally conservative areas. This shift could have ripple effects in upcoming elections, with the potential for increased competition in districts that have historically favored Republican candidates.

Voter Engagement and Community Response

The response from voters suggests a growing desire for change and a more inclusive approach to political representation. Rehmet’s focus on lowering costs and supporting public education appears to resonate with constituents looking for practical solutions. This underscores the importance of community engagement in shaping local policies and driving political discourse.

Looking Ahead

With the next full election for the Texas state Senate set for November 2026, Rehmet’s win provides an opportunity for Democrats to build on this momentum. The dynamics in District 9 will be closely watched as both parties strategize to either retain or reclaim their influence in the area.

Conclusion

Taylor Rehmet’s victory in Fort Worth marks a pivotal moment not just for the district but potentially for Texas’s political future. As the local population continues to evolve and priorities shift, both parties will need to adapt their strategies to engage these voters effectively. Supporting local businesses and encouraging community involvement will be crucial as the state navigates these changing political waters.

As we look to the future, it is essential to remain engaged in our community and support local initiatives that foster a thriving economy. Whether through entrepreneurship or civic participation, every action contributes to shaping our collective future.

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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER

The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.