Texas stunner: Democrat Taylor Rehmet flips Republican state Senate district Trump won by 17 points

The State Capitol is seen in Austin, Texas, on June 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Associated Press

February 1, 2026 at 5:12 AM UTC

Updated on

February 1, 2026 at 9:02 PM UTC

Democrat Taylor Rehmet flipped a reliably Republican state Senate district in Texas in Saturday's special election, continuing a string of surprise victories for Democrats across the U.S. in the year since Donald Trump returned to the White House.

The Republican president immediately distanced himself from the loss in a district he'd won by 17 points in 2024.