Who are the top winners and losers in Democrats’ big Texas upset? | Opinion
Make no mistake, that was a political earthquake we felt Saturday in Tarrant County. Taylor Rehmet’s victory in a special election in a heavily Republican district is the best news Texas Democrats have had in years. As always, there is reflected glory and collateral damage. Here are a few winners and losers from the Senate District 9 result.
WINNERS
Taylor Rehmet: The 33-year-old machinist is the biggest winner, of course, but not just for the obvious literal reason. He’ll be sought after as a surrogate campaigner, in Texas and beyond. Reporters will come calling from every national outlet, campaign money will pour in, and talk will quickly turn to what office he might try to conquer next.
John Cornyn: He can’t say it directly, but we can: In Texas, “Quien es mas MAGA?” may no longer be enough of a winning message. If Texas is more competitive, do Republicans really want to risk losing a U.S. Senate seat by nominating Ken Paxton, who is a remora to President Donald Trump but brings personal baggage, too?
Unions: Labor is not nearly as big a force in Texas as other states. But Rehmet’s win will energize their political efforts and reinforce Democrats’ efforts to define issues of wages, jobs and health care from the left.
LOSERS
Dan Patrick: The lieutenant governor has steadily shaped his Senate majority and made it political poison for Republicans to cross him. But he erred in this race, and if an anointed candidate can lose in north Tarrant County, of all places, GOP senators might start looking out for themselves more than Patrick’s wishes.
Steve Bannon: The list of reasons Leigh Wambsganss lost is long, but was there really much to gain in associating with the slovenly former Trump strategist? If you’ve got MAGA voters, Bannon adds nothing, and this is one of many Wambsganss mistakes other Republicans will learn to avoid.
District 9 voters: No one wants to be in the middle of trench warfare. Republicans will mount an all-out assault to win back this Tarrant County seat, and Democrats will fight to keep their prize. If you live in the district, buy a bigger mailbox and watch TV on delay so you can skip the constant ads.
This story was originally published January 31, 2026 at 11:28 PM with the headline "Who are the top winners and losers in Democrats’ big Texas upset? | Opinion."
