Texas Senate Race: Rehmet Leads Early Voting in Tarrant County

FORT WORTH, Texas — The race to fill a Texas Senate seat representing much of Tarrant County is heating up as early voting results were released on November 4. Democrat Taylor Rehmet, a veteran and labor leader, is leading with 44.12% of the votes, while Republicans Leigh Wambsganss and John Huffman are at 40.17% and 16%, respectively.

This special election was called after former Senator Kelly Hancock resigned to become the interim Texas comptroller. If no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a runoff will take place between the top two candidates on December 13.

Rehmet’s campaign, which has emphasized workers’ rights, has been largely backed by unions and small donations, totaling around $120,000. In contrast, Huffman and Wambsganss raised significantly more, with Wambsganss garnering over $1.6 million in support.

<p“Wambsganss and Huffman have divided the Republican vote,” said local voter Carson West, who supported Huffman for his conservative stance. West expressed concern over differing candidates' approaches to key issues.

In contrast, voter Alan Brown supported Rehmet, stating his decision was influenced by opposition to the Republican candidates’ positions on reproductive rights and gender-affirming care. He considers himself a Democrat but selects candidates based on their values.

The race has drawn national attention, with Wambsganss, who describes herself as “ultra-MAGA,” leveraging high-level endorsements from prominent Republicans, including President Donald Trump. She has pledged to focus on issues like lowering property taxes and improving public safety.

Huffman, the former mayor of Southlake, has similarly centered his campaign on infrastructure and education, receiving endorsements from influential local leaders.

The winner of this election will fulfill the remainder of Hancock’s term, ending in January 2027, and both Wambsganss and Huffman plan to run in the upcoming primary for the chance to secure a full term next November.

As the voting continues, unofficial results are expected to update further and may reshape the competitive landscape in Tarrant County.