Democrat’s Stunning Upset in Fort Worth Sends Shockwaves Through Texas Politics
In a result that has rattled Republicans from Austin to Washington, Democrat Taylor Rehmet scored a decisive victory Saturday in a Texas state Senate special election, flipping a district that President Trump carried by more than 17 percentage points just over a year ago.
This win goes to everyday, working people.
— Taylor Rehmet (@TaylorRehmetTX) February 1, 2026
I’ll see you out there! pic.twitter.com/kPWzjn2LhW
Rehmet, a 33-year-old Air Force veteran and union leader making his first run for office, defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss by a commanding 57-43 margin in the historically conservative Senate District 9 around Fort Worth. The district has been held by Republicans since 1991.
A Victory That Defied the Odds
The win was stunning for its circumstances. Wambsganss outspent Rehmet’s $242,174 by $2 million, backed by GOP heavyweights including President Trump, Governor Greg Abbott, and Senator Ted Cruz. Yet Rehmet, an aircraft mechanic who works on F-35s, connected with voters on kitchen-table issues—lowering costs, supporting public education, and protecting jobs.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin called the result “a warning sign to Republicans across the country.” The victory adds to Democratic overperformance in special elections during Trump’s second administration, including wins in Kentucky and Iowa.
Wambsganss acknowledged in her statement that “The Democrats were energized. Too many Republicans stayed home.”
Wambsganss lost despite strong backing from President Trump.
What It Means for March 3
With Texas’ primary elections just weeks away on March 3, both parties are watching closely to see whether Rehmet’s victory signals a broader shift. The March primary will determine nominees for statewide offices including governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general, along with all congressional and legislative seats.
Well well well….. https://t.co/dilWqEfnWB pic.twitter.com/83qJPoFHsy
— Gina Hinojosa (@GinaHinojosaTX) February 1, 2026
For Democrats, Rehmet’s win provides crucial momentum heading into the primaries. His focus on economic concerns over culture war issues proved effective even in Trump country, offering a potential blueprint for success in conservative-leaning districts statewide.
For Republicans, the loss raises urgent questions about enthusiasm and turnout.
We have a serious problem turning out the vote in Texas.
— Tom Slocum for Texas 🇺🇸 (@slocumfortexas) January 31, 2026
Why can’t we get 26,000 Republicans to the polls for @LeighForTexas !!!?
We must do better if we ACTUALLY WANT TO WIN @TexasGOP https://t.co/v4DCHOPvm9
Despite massive spending advantages and presidential endorsements, the GOP couldn’t mobilize voters in what should have been a safe seat—a troubling sign as they face competitive primaries in multiple races.
Low turnout special elections are always unpredictable. The results from SD 9 are a wake-up call for Republicans across Texas. Our voters cannot take anything for granted.
— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) February 1, 2026
I know the energy and strength the Republican grassroots in Texas possess. We will come out fighting with…
The Rematch Looms
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. Both candidates are running unopposed in their respective March 3 primaries, setting up an inevitable rematch in the fall.
Whether Saturday’s result was a special election anomaly or genuine shift in voter sentiment remains to be seen.
Texas State Comptroller Kelly Hancock, whose seat Rhemet is filling, said on social media that Democrats were out to “steal” the seat.
As Texans head to the polls on March 3, one thing is clear: neither party can take anything for granted anymore.
Thousands gathered at East Austin’s Pan Am Park on Saturday to protest ICE following recent deaths and detentions. Despite the freezing weather, the massive crowd surrounded the stage and filled nearby parking garages to hear local officials demand immediate accountability and reform.
5,000+ people showed up to rally against ICE with @jamestalarico, @GinaHinojosaTX, @Castro4Congress, and @GregCasar pic.twitter.com/1PhAFARGTG
— Team Talarico (@TeamTalaricoHQ) February 1, 2026
More than 5000 people across Texas joined us in Austin today to protest ICE.
— Zohaib “Zo” Qadri (@zoforaustin) February 1, 2026
Children taken from their families, neighbors killed in the street, individuals dying in detention.
Enough is enough. pic.twitter.com/Ed2opu58Ba
THE PROTEST/RALLY IN ITS ENTIRETY
PODCAST
Here’s a full run of the Stop Ice rally on Saturday afternoon – one of hundreds of such events that happened across the nation this weekend as America stirs from its slumber to begin addressing the real nightmare our country now faces.
(Episode from January 31, 2026)
ICE activity in Dripping Springs early Saturday with several arrests recorded.
Local law enforcement agencies across Texas have been entering 287 G agreements to help ICE achieve its mission. A closer look at the impact of a new state law paving the way for broader partnerships with the federal entity, and why some worry there’s not enough training for law enforcement in these partnerships.
One person is in critical condition and a suspect remains at large following a SWAT standoff in East Austin on Saturday night.
According to the Austin Police Department, officers responded to an incident in the 1000 block of Springdale Road around 8:45 p.m. While the victim was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, police confirmed that no one is currently in custody.
One person died early Saturday after a hit-and-run crash downtown.
A crash last night on South 183 and SH 45.
Mustang Ridge authorities also reported another crash earlier in the day. This one occurred on SB 183 and Old Lockhart.
A full city block near the University of Texas could be redeveloped with two towers. The news comes on the heels of another project nearby that calls for double towers. (Austin Business Journal)
Authorities in Burnet County conducted a prescribed burn Saturday.
While several area counties have lifted their burn bans, Burnet County is asking residents to continue to refrain from burning.
Austin’s firefighters union paid tribute to an Austin citizen who came through for them in a big way during last weekend’s winter storm.
WEATHER
SATURDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
By defeating Amanda Edwards in a special runoff this past Saturday, former Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee has secured the seat previously held by Sylvester Turner. He will serve out the rest of the current term, according to unofficial vote counts.
Sen. John Cornyn outraised his Republican primary opponents again in the last quarter of 2025, posting the biggest three-month fundraising haul of his career as he attempts to fend off a challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton. (Texas Tribune)
During the Texas Cannabis Policy Conference, Senator Nathan Johnson and Representative Drew Darby signaled a shift in legislative priorities. Citing the intense public response to recent attempts to ban consumable hemp, the lawmakers expressed a commitment to developing rigorous, “safe and responsible” regulations for the THC industry as an alternative to outright prohibition.
The parasite New World Screw Worm is moving north into Texas from Mexico and can infect and kill livestock.
A 10-year-old girl was critically injured following a road rage incident in San Antonio Friday. Investigators identified Friday’s shooting suspect as 41-year-old Bryan Arceo, charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and endangering a child, according to an arrest affidavit.
Bexar County officials are searching for a robbery suspect.
A San Antonio woman was sentenced to 11 years in prison and ordered to pay almost $1 million for her role in a deadly migrant smuggling operation. (KVUE-TV)
Texas A&M Forest Service officials report no serious damage in the rural pine stands of East Texas following last weekend’s winter storm.
Big Bend National Park, a beloved site in Texas, is facing a critical water shortage that has prompted the closure of a popular area within the park. The Chisos Mountains Lodge has been shuttered under further notice due to the failure of the Oak Spring pumps.
Three family members were killed and one other was hospitalized in a house fire early this morning in Parker County.
In the February 1 episode, Congressman Chip Roy explains why he thinks he can avoid a runoff in a crowded and chaotic Republican race for Texas Attorney General. U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson on the tough questions she says she’ll ask when the leader of ICE testifies before her committee. And acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock provides a checklist for Texas parents days before they can sign up for the school voucher program.
Governor Greg Abbott and other Republican state leaders are targeting CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Abbott has signed a proclamation calling CAIR a “terrorist organization.” Edward Ahmed Mitchell, National Deputy Director of CAIR, says these are baseless conspiracy theories created for politics.
(Episode from January 31, 2026)
SPORTS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Junior guard/forward Dailyn Swain registered a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds to go along with a game-high six assists to pace Texas (13-9, 4-5 SEC) to a 79-69 victory at Oklahoma (11-11, 1-8 SEC) in Lloyd Noble Center on Saturday afternoon. Texas head coach Sean Miller earned his 500th career victory as a collegiate head coach and has now posted an overall mark of 500-205 in 21 seasons. (Texas Longhorns)
Texas returns home Tuesday at Moody Center to host South Carolina.
In other action Saturday, 16th-ranked Texas Tech was upset by Cal Fullerton.
Themus Fulks scored 21 points, including a jumper with a minute to play to key a late run that led UCF to an 88-80 win over No. 11 Texas Tech on Saturday. (Associated Press)
Victories yesterday for Texas A&M and Houston.
Amen Thompson scored 21 points, dished out nine assists and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Houston Rockets to a 111-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night. (Associated Press)
Brandon Miller scored 26 points, Collin Sexton made all five 3-point attempts off the bench and finished with 21 points and the Charlotte Hornets held on to beat the San Antonio Spurs 111-106 on Saturday to extend their winning streak to six games. (Associated Press)
Dallas and Houston are off today.
The San Antonio Spurs changed the start time for their home game today against the Orlando Magic because of a snowstorm that prevented them from flying out of Charlotte on Saturday night.
San Antonio will now host Orlando at 6 p.m. CST tonight, three hours after the original tipoff.
NHL: Thomas Harley and Wyatt Johnston each scored a power-play goal in the first period to lead the Dallas Stars over the Utah Mammoth 3-2 on Saturday night. It’s the fourth win in a row for Dallas. (Associated Press)
The Stars are off today but back at it Monday.
Travel to Eagle Pass to explore the old Fort Duncan Medical Center.
