Trump-Backed Candidate Loses in Deep Red Texas District

First-time Democrat Taylor Rehmet defeats MAGA activist Leigh Wambsganss in special election for Texas state senate seat.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 10:15am

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In a stunning upset, first-time Democratic candidate Taylor Rehmet defeated Trump-endorsed Republican Leigh Wambsganss in a special election for a Texas state senate seat in a district that Donald Trump carried by over 17 points in 2024. Rehmet, a union leader, won the race 57-43, becoming the first Democrat to hold the seat in decades.

Why it matters

The loss in this deep-red district is seen as a major blow to Trump and the Republican party, raising concerns about their prospects in the upcoming midterm elections. Democrats are framing the result as a preview of November, with the momentum shifting in their favor.

The details

Wambsganss, a MAGA activist focused on instilling conservative Christian policies in public schools, had been fiercely backed by Trump as well as top Texas Republicans like Gov. Greg Abbott and Sen. Ted Cruz. However, Rehmet's campaign reportedly raised over $380,000 from individual donors, compared to Wambsganss' $2.5 million, mostly from PACs.

  • The special election was held on January 31, 2026 to fill the seat vacated by former state Sen. Kelly Hancock.
  • Trump endorsed Wambsganss and urged his supporters to vote for her just a day before the election.

The players

Taylor Rehmet

A 33-year-old first-time Democratic candidate and union leader who won the special election for the Texas state senate seat.

Leigh Wambsganss

The Trump-endorsed Republican candidate and MAGA activist who lost the special election.

Donald Trump

The former president who endorsed and campaigned for Wambsganss, but suffered a major defeat in the deep-red district.

Greg Abbott

The Republican governor of Texas who supported Wambsganss in the special election.

Ted Cruz

The Republican U.S. senator from Texas who also backed Wambsganss in the race.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't the finish line — it's only the beginning. The momentum is here, and it's only growing stronger.”

— Jasmine Crockett, Democratic Congresswoman and Senate candidate in Texas

“A huge political earthquake in Texas tonight as Democrats flipped a State Senate seat from red to blue in a district Trump won by 17 points. Trump personally waded in — endorsing the Republican and personally urging base turnout — and was dealt a massive loss.”

— Matt McDermott, Democratic strategist

“I am asking all America First Patriots in Texas' 9th State Senate District to please make a plan to GET OUT AND VOTE on Election Day, Saturday, January 31st, for a phenomenal Candidate, Leigh Wambsganss. She is a highly successful Entrepreneur, and an incredible supporter of our Movement to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

Wambsganss has stated that she plans to face Rehmet again for a full term in the November 2026 election.

The takeaway

This upset victory in a deep-red district is seen as a major blow to Trump and the Republican party, raising concerns about their prospects in the upcoming midterm elections. Democrats are framing the result as a preview of November, with the momentum shifting in their favor.