State Democrats flipped 25 seats in 2025 and have undeniable momentum in 2026, with several majority-deciding races on the horizon
WASHINGTON — DLCC Spotlight Candidate Taylor Rehmet just defied the odds, overperforming by double digits and flipping a seat that has been held by a Republican for 30 years. The DLCC recently added the Texas House to our target map to pick up seats in GOP territory, fueled by voters rejecting the GOP’s agenda that is jacking up prices and leaving voters behind.
The DLCC has a stellar record of winning special elections in red and battleground territory. Democrats flipped 25 seats last year, and need to flip just 19 seats on our 2026 map to create six new majorities and four new trifectas. There are more high-stakes special elections on the horizon, with majority-deciding races just weeks away.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“We’re only a month into the year, and Democrats are already delivering earthquake wins in deep red Texas. This Trump district hasn’t been in play for Democrats in three decades, but tonight Senator-elect Taylor Rehmet pulled off a stunning victory. Tonight’s win is the latest proof point of state Democrats’ momentum as we gear up for our most expansive target map ever, including picking up even more seats in Texas this November. The DLCC has the winning playbook to flip seats in key upcoming special elections, and we’re only just getting started.”
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the campaign arm of Democratic state legislatures and leads the national strategy for building power and winning new majorities. Over the last three decades, we have strategized cycle over cycle to win majorities and lead the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level, winning nearly a dozen new chamber majorities over the last decade. Our work has ensured that nearly half of Americans are represented by at least one Democratic majority in their statehouse. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class and advancing opportunity, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
###
