In a speech before cheering supporters, Democrat Taylor Rehmet dedicated his victory “to everyday working people.”
Democrats scored a major upset on Saturday, as machinist union leader Taylor Rehmet easily defeated Republican opponent Leigh Wambsganss in a state senate special election held in a deep-red district that Donald Trump carried by 17 percentage points in 2024.
With nearly all votes counted, Rehmet holds a 14-point lead in Texas’ Senate District 9, which covers a large portion of Tarrant County.
Republican opponent Wambsganss conceded defeat in the race but vowed to win an upcoming rematch in November.
“The dynamics of a special election are fundamentally different from a November general election,” Wambsganss said. “I believe the voters of Senate District 9 and Tarrant County Republicans will answer the call in November.”


I am honestly afraid the Repubs will start behaving themselves until after Nov…maybe even be able to somewhat reign in their Orange monkey-god and then wait to begin again with the fascism with even more vigor after the midterms. I live in a purple state with a Democratic governor with an election this year. I am terrified that my state is going to elect a Trump lickspittle this Nov.
Your optimism far exceeds mine.
How are they going to “behave themselves” this year? They can’t run away from Trump without losing most of their cult base. I don’t know what state you’re from and I’d still put money on Dems winning
That seems to be about all it takes for voters to forgive their representatives for their sins.