TX-SD09: A 'bellwether' election: Tarrant's Texas Senate runoff draws national attention
The runoff election to fill a Texas Senate seat representing much of Tarrant County is drawing national attention as Republicans and Democrats hope for wins that foreshadow November midterms.
On Jan. 31, voters weigh candidates Taylor Rehmet, a Fort Worth Democrat and mechanist union leader, and Leigh Wambsganss, a Southlake Republican and chief communications officer at Patriot Mobile, a conservative wireless service provider.
While Republicans have poured millions into seeking the seat, the runoff is largely ceremonial. The Legislature doesn’t return to session until 2027, and candidates must immediately seek reelection in November. Political analysts believe the winner could gauge a nationwide political temperature that will affect midterm results in November.
Early voting for the runoff opens next week on Jan. 21 and runs six days.
https://fortworthreport.org/2026/01/14/a-bellwether-election-tarrants-texas-senate-runoff-draws-national-attention/