Democrat Taylor Rehmet wins a reliably Republican Texas state Senate seat, stunning GOP

[muriel_volestrangler]

Source: NPR/AP

Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a special election for the Texas state Senate on Saturday, flipping a reliably Republican district that President Donald Trump won by 17 points in 2024.

Rehmet, a labor union leader and veteran, easily defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss, a conservative activist, in the Fort Worth-area district. With almost all votes counted, Rehmet had a comfortable lead of more than 14 percentage points.

"This win goes to everyday working people," Rehmet told supporters.

His victory added to Democrats' record of overperforming in special elections so far this cycle. Democrats said it was further evidence that voters under the second Trump administration are motivated to reject GOP candidates and their policies.

Read more: https://www.npr.org/2026/02/01/nx-s1-5695678/democrat-taylor-rehmet-wins-texas-state-senate-seat

[FakeNoose]

1. Congratulations Taylor Rehmet and Texas Democrats!

This is quite an achievement, and it means there's HOPE for ALL of us!

[Lovie777]

2. Why would the GQP be stunned?................

hell red states, GQP controlled states are the meanness, authoritative, denying civil rights assholes around. Cruelty, and do as I say bunch of white supremacists.

Plus immigration and ICE are toxic.

[LymphocyteLover]

13. because they are morons who live in their own bubble... but this should be a big wake up call for them

[Callie1979]

3. Pay attention, Party. THIS guy won a BIG win. Run guys like THIS

And read the article from a couple days ago "The 4 types of Trump voter". It's very accurate from the people I know & we'd do well to understand the types we CAN get & how. We all know the MAGA are a lost cause unless they change on their own. Focus on the OTHERS

[catbyte]

4. I'm starting to experience something that feels like hope.

[LtTx]

5. Great!!

We, as Democrats in TX, need to look at this race. We need to carefully think about the Crockett vs. Talarico primary. Who can actually win this senate seat? That is the endgame. We need to keep that in mind.

[myohmy2]

6. fearless leader...

...won't be happy...

... ...

[in2herbs]

7. I hope the 6 on the USSC are beginning to feel the heat because we're not stopping at F45 and

his regime!

[broiles]

8. This victory was during a period of extreme weather.

Early voting was shortened due to icy roads, schools were closed for about 4 days of early voting and election day was freezing.

[dalton99a]

15. +1

[Sneederbunk]

9. Repugs, the voters are coming for you.

But they won't be wearing masks.

[Fil1957]

10. The Trump and Maga Republicans will do everything they can to interfere and even prevent fair

elections this year. They also see these numbers and not only must we expect election interference but we must have plans and strategies to counter them.

They have broken too many laws and are in too deep to not try anything and everything to prevent voters from taking away their power.

[Tetrachloride]

11. 50 State Strategy vs. The DNC and other Beltway Dems

[JohnnyRingo]

12. Importantly, did the republican campaign heavily on the president's name?

If so then it's a loss for Trump, especially if he endorsed the candidate.
I doubt Trump paid attention to a state senate seat, but if the candidate loudly decried woke and touted his MAGA background it's still an omen of a hopeful midterm.

[Uncle Joe]

14. Kicked and recommended

Thanks for the thread muriel_volestrangler

[turbinetree]

16. "This win goes to everyday working people," Rehmet told supporters.