Texas Democrat Flips State Senate District That Trump Won by 17 Points

Taylor Rehmet, a union leader, defeated the Republican candidate in a special election for a Texas state Senate seat.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 3:31pm

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In a special election for a Texas state Senate district that Donald Trump won by 17 points in 2024, Democrat Taylor Rehmet, an Air Force veteran and local machinist's union leader, defeated the Republican candidate Leigh Wambsganss, who was backed by GOP Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and former President Trump. Rehmet's victory is seen as a warning sign for Republicans across the country.

Why it matters

The flip of this state Senate district, which Trump won handily in 2024, is seen as a potential harbinger of broader Democratic gains in the 2023 Texas state elections and the 2024 presidential race. It highlights the challenges Republicans may face in maintaining their dominance in the traditionally conservative state of Texas.

The details

Rehmet, who spent significantly less on his campaign than his Republican opponent, was able to overcome the district's Republican lean by appealing to working-class voters. His opponent, Wambsganss, is the chief communications officer for Patriot Mobile, a conservative Christian wireless provider, and has helped Republicans place candidates supporting conservative Christian policies on North Texas school boards.

  • The special election was held on Saturday, February 1, 2026.
  • In the previous election in November 2025, Rehmet earned nearly 48% of the vote, just three percentage points shy of an outright win, leading to the runoff election.

The players

Taylor Rehmet

A Democrat and union leader who won the special election to represent a Texas state Senate district that Donald Trump carried by 17 points in 2024.

Leigh Wambsganss

The Republican candidate in the special election, who was backed by GOP Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and former President Trump. Wambsganss is the chief communications officer for Patriot Mobile, a conservative Christian wireless provider.

Dan Patrick

The Republican lieutenant governor of Texas, who called Rehmet's victory a "wake-up call for Republicans across Texas" and gave $300,000 to Wambsganss's campaign through his PAC.

Donald Trump

The former president, who posted multiple get-out-the-vote messages on behalf of Wambsganss on Truth Social in the days leading up to the election.

Ken Martin

The chair of the Democratic National Committee, who said Rehmet's victory is a "warning sign to Republicans across the country."

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What they’re saying

“Our voters cannot take anything for granted.”

— Dan Patrick, Republican Lt. Gov. of Texas (X)

“It's clear as day that this disastrous Republican agenda is hurting working families in Texas and across the country, which is why voters in red, blue, and purple districts are putting their faith in candidates like Taylor Rehmet. This overperformance is a warning sign to Republicans across the country.”

— Ken Martin, Chair of the Democratic National Committee (Statement)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.