Fort Worth, Texas — February 1, 2026 — In a stunning political upset that has drawn attention across the United States, Democrat Taylor Rehmet has won a special election for the Texas State Senate, flipping a reliably Republican district that President Donald Trump carried by 17 points in the 2024 presidential election. �
Georgia Public Broadcasting
Rehmet, a union leader, Air Force veteran, and first-time candidate, secured a decisive victory over Republican opponent Leigh Wambsganss in the runoff election on Saturday, garnering more than 57% of the vote despite being significantly outspent during the campaign. �
Axios
🗳️ What This Victory Means
Historic win in a GOP stronghold: The seat covers parts of northern Tarrant County, including Fort Worth and nearby suburbs that have reliably voted conservative for decades. �
Georgia Public Broadcasting
Swing in voter sentiment: Analysts say Rehmet’s win — by more than 14 percentage points — indicates shifting political energy ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. �
Georgia Public Broadcasting
National reaction: Democratic leaders have described the victory as a “warning sign” for Republicans nationwide, emphasizing energized Democratic turnout. �
cbsnews.com
Rehmet emphasized his focus on working-class issues, saying the victory “goes to everyday working people,” and thanked supporters at a watch party following the announcement. �
Dallas News
🔜 What’s Next
Although Rehmet will serve out the remainder of the current term through early 2027, he will face Wambsganss again in the November 2026 general election as both candidates are running unopposed in their party primaries. �
Dallas News
Political observers say this election result could energize campaigns nationwide as both parties prepare for a competitive midterm cycle later this year.
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