Texas Democrats Gain Ground in Surprise State Senate Win

A Democratic newcomer's victory in a special election raises hopes for the party in the 2026 midterms

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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In a surprise result, a 33-year-old Democratic political newcomer named Taylor Rehmet won a special election to the Texas State Senate, flipping a Fort Worth-area district that had been held by Republicans since the early 1990s. Rehmet's 14-point victory in a district that former President Trump carried by 17 points in 2024 has energized Texas Democrats, who are hoping to build on this momentum in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

Why it matters

Texas has not elected a Democrat to statewide office in over three decades, but the state's shifting demographics have kept the party hopeful about its chances of clawing back ground, especially in years when it feels a political tailwind. Rehmet's victory is the latest example of Democrats performing best when they embrace local, 'normie' candidates who connect with voters on kitchen-table issues rather than engaging in partisan culture wars.

The details

In the special election, Rehmet, a machinist, beat his Republican opponent by 14 points in a district that Trump had carried by 17 points in 2024. Political analysts say Rehmet's victory was driven more by persuasion than by differential turnout, as he was able to win over swing voters and even draw in some soft Republicans. Rehmet focused his campaign on local issues like housing prices, health care costs, and school district turmoil rather than engaging in partisan rhetoric.

  • The special election took place in January 2026.
  • Early voting for the March 3, 2026 primary elections in Texas began this week.

The players

Taylor Rehmet

A 33-year-old Democratic political newcomer who won a surprise victory in a Texas State Senate special election, flipping a Fort Worth-area district that had been held by Republicans since the early 1990s.

Matt Angle

The head of the Lone Star Project, a PAC devoted to getting Democrats elected in Texas, who supported Rehmet's campaign.

Luke Warford

The founder of the Agave Democratic Infrastructure Fund PAC, who discussed the challenges of coordinating Democratic efforts in Texas.

Heather Williams

The president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the party's campaign arm for state legislative races, who commented on the party's strategic approach in Texas.

Wendy Davis

A former Texas state senator who is leading the Blue Texas project, an effort to shore up Democratic infrastructure and support candidates at all levels in the state.

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What they’re saying

“Groups come in, and the first thing they'll do is a press release and then a little social media thing about, 'We're coming into Texas, and we're going to flip it!' They just undermine every penny they're going to spend in the state.”

— Matt Angle, Head of the Lone Star Project (New York Times)

“Democrats like to fall in love with a candidate — or they fall in love with the possibility of Texas or Florida. When they fall in love, collectively, they put enormous sums and resources in there, whether the data tells us there is a path or not.”

— Heather Williams, President of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

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.