Democrats win special elections in Texas. How significant is it for Trump?

US President Donald Trump has dismissed a recent Democratic victory in a Texas State Senate special election as a "local" race, despite commentators labeling it a significant indicator of growing discontent with his policies. The election saw Democrat Taylor Rehmet defeat Trump-backed conservative activist Leigh Wambsganss, receiving 57% of the votes in a district that Trump won by 17 percentage points in November 2024. The contest was held to fill the seat of a Republican state senator who had resigned to serve as Texas's comptroller. Trump personally endorsed Wambsganss and urged base turnout, but his efforts were unsuccessful. The election is seen as a potential indicator of broader voting trends in Texas and beyond. It took place on January 31, 2026, in the US state of Texas.

Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a special election in a Texas state Senate district that Donald Trump won by 17 points in 2024. The victory in the Fort Worth-area district is a significant upset in a reliably Republican area. Trump, who had endorsed the Republican candidate Leigh Wambsganns, downplayed his involvement in the race after Rehmet's win. The victory is part of a trend of Democratic overperformance in special elections across the country, including wins in Pennsylvania and strong showings in November elections. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called the result "a wake-up call" for Texas Republicans, who control every statewide office. Rehmet, a labor union leader and veteran, attributed her win to everyday working people.

Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a special election for a Texas state senate seat on Saturday, flipping a reliably Republican district in the Fort Worth area. Rehmet, a labor union leader and veteran, defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss by a significant margin. The seat became open after the Republican incumbent resigned, and Republicans have held it for decades. Despite Trump's endorsement of Wambsganss, Rehmet gained support from national organizations and focused on lowering costs, supporting public education, and protecting jobs. Democrats are encouraged by their overperformance in elections since Trump's return to the White House, viewing this victory as further evidence of voter rejection of GOP candidates and policies. Rehmet will serve until January and must win the November general election to continue in the role.