Texas (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) – February 02,
2026 - Texas State Representative James Talarico described recent Democratic
victories, including Taylor Rehmet's flip of a Republican-held state Senate
district, as a "backlash to extremism." Rehmet, a union leader and military veteran, won Senate District 9 in a Fort
Worth-area special election by over 14 percentage points. Talarico and the Texas Democratic Party attributed the outcomes to voter
rejection of extreme policies amid the second Trump administration.
James Talarico, Democratic Texas State Representative for
House District 50, stated that Democratic successes in recent Texas elections
signal a growing backlash against extremism and corruption. His comments
followed Taylor Rehmet's victory in the special election for Texas Senate District
9, a seat long held by Republicans. Rehmet defeated conservative activist Leigh
Wambsganss after the resignation of four-term Republican incumbent Kelly
Hancock.
The district, in Tarrant County near Fort Worth, supported
Donald Trump by 17 points in the 2024 presidential election. Rehmet's win
contributes to Democrats overperforming in special elections this cycle,
including gains in Kentucky and Iowa. Democrats now hold 214 seats in the U.S.
House after Christian Menefee's victory in Texas's 18th Congressional District
special election.
Key Victory in Senate District 9
Taylor Rehmet secured the seat with nearly all ballots
counted, maintaining a lead of more than 14 percentage points. As a former U.S.
Air Force member and machinist, Rehmet campaigned on reducing costs, improving
public education, and protecting jobs. He received support from the Democratic
National Committee and veterans' groups, which spent $500,000 on
advertisements.
The Texas Democratic Party celebrated the outcome as
evidence of voter preference for practical solutions.
Texas Democrats @texasdemocrats said in X post, “Taylor
Rehmet’s victory proves Texans want solutions — not fear. A campaign rooted in
workers, opportunity, and fairness won today. People are noticing. This is the
future Texas deserves.
Rehmet will serve until early January 2027 but must win the November general election for a full term. The Texas Legislature reconvenes in 2027, where Republicans hold an 18-to-11 Senate majority, with two red-leaning seats vacant.
Talarico's Perspective on Broader Trends
Talarico highlighted events across Texas drawing thousands
of attendees opposed to billionaire influence in politics. His team shared
observations on rising anti-extremism sentiment.
Team Talarico @TeamTalaricoHQ said in X post,
“.@JamesTalarico: There is something brewing in the state of Texas. There's a backlash growing against the extremism and corruption in government. I’m seeing it at our events — thousands of people showing up to rally with us in every part of the state. They want someone who's going to stand up to the billionaires controlling our politics.”
In statements to media outlets, Talarico linked the wins to
voter fatigue with fringe positions, prioritising education and healthcare. He
referenced his district's strong 2024 performance, where he won over 60
percent. DNC Chairman Ken Martin called Rehmet's result a "warning sign to
Republicans nationwide."
Additional Democratic Gains in Local Races
Beyond the Senate race, Democrats narrowed the GOP's U.S.
House majority with Menefee's win in the strongly Democratic 18th District.
Menefee's swearing-in leaves Republicans with 218 seats to Democrats' 214,
preserving Speaker Mike Johnson's slim edge.
Local contests in Harris, Travis, and Dallas counties saw Democratic flips in judicial and commissioner seats. Rachel Godsil won a Houston-area county court position with 52 percent, per Texas Secretary of State data. Sarah Harrelson took a Dallas County commissioner seat by 8 points.
Turnout rose among younger voters and independents, according to state election records. Democrats filled every state and federal race for 2026, recruiting 104 candidates via Texas Majority PAC and the state party.
Republican Responses and State Context
Texas GOP officials described the special election losses as
isolated, citing overall legislative majorities. Party chair Matt Rinaldi
rejected the backlash narrative as partisan spin. Governor Greg Abbott focused
on priorities like property tax relief in congratulations to winners.
Texas remains Republican-dominated federally, with Senator
Ted Cruz re-elected in 2024 and 25 GOP House seats. Democrats control urban
mayoral offices in Houston and Austin. The 2026 gubernatorial race features
incumbent Greg Abbott seeking re-election.
Voter registration increased 5 percent in Democratic target
counties, per state data. Republicans hold 88 of 150 House seats and maintain
gerrymandered advantages.
Election Verification and Administration
Results underwent certification by January 28, 2026, with no
recounts in key races. County officials oversaw paper ballots and audits per
Texas election code. Bipartisan poll watchers reported no irregularities.
Funding disclosures via the Texas Ethics Commission showed Democrats raising $2.1 million for local races, Republicans $2.8 million. Associated Press compilations verified tallies across outlets.
The outcomes align with post-2024 trends, where Democrats won gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. Trump endorsed Wambsganss on Truth Social prior to the vote.