Early Results: Democrat and Republican Headed for Tarrant County Senate Runoff
Early voting results reveal that a runoff is likely in the race for a Texas Senate seat representing Tarrant County. Democrats and Republicans have shown strong competition for this key position following the resignation of Kelly Hancock.
Runoff Candidates in Tarrant County Senate Race
The upcoming runoff will feature Fort Worth Democrat Taylor Rehmet and Southlake Republican Leigh Wambsganss. This election aims to fill the vacant District 9 seat and is scheduled for December 13. Unofficial early voting results indicate Rehmet secured 44.12% of the early votes, while Wambsganss followed closely with 40.17%. Republican candidate John Huffman trailed behind.
Background of Candidates
- Taylor Rehmet: An Air Force veteran and union organizer, his campaign focused on workers’ rights. Rehmet ran a low-budget campaign, raising approximately $120,000.
- Leigh Wambsganss: Chief communications officer at Patriot Mobile, her campaign drew heavily from significant financial contributions and endorsements, including one from former President Donald Trump.
- John Huffman: The former mayor of Southlake emphasized lower property taxes and improvements to local infrastructure in his campaign.
Significant Campaign Contributions
The candidates have received varying levels of financial support. Wambsganss raised around $1.6 million, while Huffman raised approximately $1.35 million. Most of their funding originated from affluent PACs and individual donations from wealth contributors.
Voter Perspectives
Opinions among local voters reflect diverse priorities. Some voters, like Keller resident Carson West, expressed support for Huffman due to his conservative views. In contrast, Fort Worth resident Alan Brown opted for Rehmet to oppose Republican policies he viewed as unfavorable, particularly regarding reproductive rights.
Impact of the Election
The winner of this special election will serve out Hancock’s term until January 2027. This race highlights the shifting political landscape in Tarrant County, where Democrats aim to bolster their presence against longstanding Republican dominance.
A runoff is crucial, as neither candidate currently holds a clear majority. The outcome may influence legislative priorities for the upcoming 2027 Texas legislative session.
