Texas Democrat Taylor Rehmet was officially sworn in as the new State Senator for District 9 on February 19, 2026, following his victory in a runoff election on January 31. Rehmet’s election is notable as he flipped a seat that had been held by Republicans for many years, succeeding former State Senator Kelly Hancock, who resigned to take on the role of acting Texas Comptroller.
In the runoff, Rehmet secured 57% of the vote against Republican candidate Leigh Wambsganss, who garnered 43%. His win is particularly significant given the district’s historical Republican dominance; in the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump won District 9 by a margin of 17 points. Rehmet’s nearly 15-point victory represents a substantial 31-point swing in voter sentiment.
Following his swearing-in, Rehmet expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honored to be sworn in as the Senator for Texas Senate District 9.” His election is expected to impact the legislative landscape in Texas, as it reflects shifting political dynamics in a traditionally conservative area. As a union president and Air Force veteran, Rehmet’s background may influence his priorities and initiatives in the Senate moving forward.
Source Information
- Source: KVUE
- Original URL: https://www.kvue.com/article/news/politics/texas-legislature/democrat-taylor-rehmet-sworn-in-texas-state-senator/269-ff3f7e37-3a17-42ef-8c3c-6a087aa0dfe0
- Published: 2026-02-19
- Verified: 2026-02-19
Sources & Verification
Verified: 2026-02-19