Democrat Taylor Rehmet flips Texas Senate

Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a special election for the United States — Texas state Senate, flipping a district that Donald Trump won by 17 points in 2024. Rehmet, a labor union leader and veteran, defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss by more than 14 percentage points in the Fort Worth-area district. This victory is seen by the United States — Democratic Party (United States) as further evidence that voters are motivated to reject United States — Republican Party (United States) candidates and policies under the second Trump administration. The United States — Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin called it 'a warning sign to Republicans across the country.' Donald Trump had urged voters to support Leigh Wambsganss on his social media platform. Taylor Rehmet received support from national organizations, including the United States — Democratic National Committee and VoteVets.org, which spent $500,000 on ads. The seat became vacant after four-term Republican incumbent Kelly Hanczyk resigned to take a statewide office. While Taylor Rehmet's victory allows him to serve only until early January, he must win the November general election to keep the seat for a full four-year term. The United States — Texas Legislature is not set to reconvene until 2027, and the United States — Republican Party (United States) will still hold a comfortable majority.