Taylor Rehmet (D-TX) coasted to a 14-point victory in a special election for the Texas State Senate seat recently vacated by Kelly Hancock (R-TX) prompting Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin to warn Republicans across the country to beware.
Rehmet, a veteran and a union leader, dedicated his win to “everyday working people” and immediately pivoted to raise funds for his imminent reelection campaign in November.
This win goes to everyday, working people.
I’ll see you out there! pic.twitter.com/kPWzjn2LhW
— Taylor Rehmet (@TaylorRehmetTX) February 1, 2026
“Republicans just lost a district Trump won by 17 points — in Texas. That’s not an anomaly, it’s a pattern,” Martin crowed when Rehmet was projected to win the seat. “Democrats are building on our historic overperformance, and we’re not slowing down. November is coming, and we’re ready. ALL GAS, NO BRAKES!!”
President Donald Trump gave Rehmet’s opponent, Leigh Wambsganss, a lengthy endorsement as voters went to the polls for Saturday’s special election.
“Today is the day! To all Voters in Texas’ 9th State Senate District: GET OUT AND VOTE for a phenomenal Candidate, Leigh Wambsganss. She is a highly successful Entrepreneur, and an incredible supporter of our Movement to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” Trump posted via Truth Social. “My very good friend, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, needs a strong conservative Republican in SD-9 to KEEP TEXAS RED! The Radical Left Democrats are spending a fortune to beat a true MAGA Warrior, Leigh Wambsganss. You can win this Election for Leigh, who has my Complete and Total Endorsement.”
Hancock, the out-going Republican who had served four terms in the same seat, won every reelection campaign with plenty of breathing room.
Democrats have delivered in several key elections since Trump’s second term in the White House began, but the majority have been in districts that ranged from purple — like Virginia — to more reliably blue like New Jersey.
Rehmet’s win comes as another Democrat, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, ramps up her own campaign for a U.S. Senate seat in the reliably red state.
