Democrats are overperforming by double digits in special elections in 2026, and TX SD-09 could be the first flip of the year
WASHINGTON — A tough state Senate special election in deep Republican territory in Texas is scheduled for this weekend, setting the stage for the first potential flip of the cycle with DLCC Spotlight Candidate Taylor Rehmet. Rehmet massively overperformed during November’s election despite Trump carrying this district by 17 points, and the runoff set for this Saturday has Republicans “very concerned” and begging conservatives to “please, please, please, please” show up.
This comes on the heels of Democrats landing an earthquake victory with 95% of the vote in a Minnesota special election that re-tied the House chamber earlier this week. While the Trump administration stokes chaos and terror in communities across the country, voters across the country are rejecting MAGA’s deadly agenda and backing state Democrats. Alongside this Texas race, there are more special elections on the horizon in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Maine.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“Republicans are sounding the alarm in a district Trump won by 17 points in Texas – territory that would usually be written off for Democrats. But Taylor Rehmet is staging an impressive campaign to defy the odds and flip a ruby-red seat. That’s how toxic Trump’s agenda is. 2026 will be a historic year for state legislative Democrats, who will continue to win elections and use their power to show up and fight for their communities. Republicans know they’re vulnerable, and the DLCC will be competing everywhere.”
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.
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