In a surprising turn of events, Donald Trump faced a setback in Texas as his endorsed candidate, Leigh Wambsganss, lost the special runoff election for Texas State Senate District 9 on March 2, 2024. The seat, previously held by Republican Kelly Hancock, was flipped by Democratic contender Taylor Rehmet, marking a significant victory for Democrats in a district that Trump had won by 17 points in the 2024 presidential election.
During a press conference on March 1, Trump expressed his support for Wambsganss, stating he gave her his “Complete and Total Endorsement” just before the election. After the loss, he downplayed the significance of the defeat, saying, “I’m not involved in that. That’s a local Texas race. You mean I won by 17 and this person lost? Things like that happen.”
Trump further commented on the implications of the race, suggesting that the results of the presidential election may not be “transferable” to the state legislative elections since he was not on the ballot this time. He also criticized Democratic leadership, claiming it leads to “open borders” and increased crime, contrasting his administration’s record on these issues.
The loss in Texas is particularly notable as it represents a growing trend of Democratic successes in traditionally conservative areas. The Fort Worth-area district had been a Republican stronghold for over a decade. Hancock vacated the seat last year to become the acting Texas comptroller.
In addition to this election, Democrats are looking to sustain their momentum with upcoming primaries. Christian Menefee is set to compete in a Democratic primary on March 3, 2024, to fill the seat of the late Democratic Representative Sylvester Turner, where he faces Representative Al Green for a full term beginning in January 2027.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin emphasized the importance of the victory in Texas, stating, “This victory is a warning sign to Republicans across the country.” As Democrats continue to gain ground in areas previously dominated by Republicans, the implications for future elections could be significant.
With the political landscape shifting, this outcome underscores the potential challenges facing Republicans as they gear up for the upcoming elections. The results from Texas may serve as a bellwether for the midterms, revealing a heightened competitiveness that could reshape traditional voting patterns in the future.
