The tarrant county election results from the special runoff held on January 31, 2026, show a compelling and competitive race in the State Senate District 9 contest — a seat long dominated by Republicans. While the full final tally has yet to be certified, early counts released throughout the evening of the election illustrate significant voter engagement and shifting political dynamics in this key North Texas district.
Just hours after polls closed on Saturday, initial figures showed Democrat Taylor Rehmet ahead of Republican challenger Leigh Wambsganss, based on combined absentee, early voting, and election-day ballots counted by Tarrant County’s elections office. These early totals indicate that Rehmet, a Fort Worth-area union leader and Air Force veteran, captured approximately 56.4 % of the votes cast as compared with roughly 43.6 % for Wambsganss, a conservative activist and business executive. The reported ballots cast in these early results totaled more than 48,000, reflecting turnout among registered voters across the sprawling district.
If these figures hold as additional precincts report, the outcome would represent a noteworthy performance by a Democratic candidate in a district historically regarded as a Republican stronghold, with implications for broader electoral trends in Texas.
Strong Early Showing for Democratic Candidate Surprises Observers
As polls closed at 7 p.m. local time on January 31, results streamed in showing Rehmet leading in both early and mail-in ballots — indicators that helped shape perception of the race minutes after voting concluded. The available count from the county’s cumulative results shows Rehmet receiving a majority of early vote totals as well as a solid share of absentee and Election-Day ballots. This early lead reflects continued voter interest following a November special election when neither candidate achieved the majority needed to avoid a runoff.
Rehmet’s performance is notable because the district has a long history of Republican representation; the seat became vacant after former Republican Senator Kelly Hancock resigned. Though turnout in runoffs is often lower than in general or primary contests, the share of ballots cast indicates a high level of engagement for a winter election and for a district that typically sees low participation in off-cycle races.
Weather Impacts on Voting Did Not Stall Turnout
Widespread winter weather earlier in the week affected parts of North Texas, leading to temporary closures of some polling locations during early voting days. While every Tarrant County polling site was open on Election Day itself, earlier closures by other county elections departments in Texas demonstrated how inclement conditions can disrupt voter access and influence turnout patterns. Nonetheless, in Tarrant County, officials reported stable operations on January 31, with wait times at some polling centers ranging from about 15 to 45 minutes during peak periods — a sign that many voters turned out despite colder weather conditions.
Local election administrators had worked to ensure that a full slate of precincts and vote centers operated on Election Day, offering both traditional voting opportunities as well as early and absentee ballot channels for those unable to attend due to weather or other constraints.
What the Early Numbers Suggest for the District’s Political Landscape
The early returns of the tarrant county election results in this Senate runoff suggest a potential shift in voter sentiment in areas where Republicans have historically held solid advantages. Political observers have noted that if Rehmet maintains his lead through final ballot counts, it could signal growing competitiveness for Democratic candidates in suburban and exurban districts around Fort Worth and other booming North Texas communities.
Rehmet’s campaign focused heavily on issues such as affordability, workers’ rights, public education funding, and support for veterans — themes that resonated with segments of the electorate in the district’s more diverse and rapidly growing municipalities. In contrast, Wambsganss emphasized traditional conservative priorities, including property tax reductions, education choice, and strong support for Second Amendment rights. Despite robust backing from leading Republican figures and organizations, the early vote totals showed a notable tilt in Rehmet’s favor.
Understanding Voter Participation Levels and Next Steps
Unofficial figures from the county indicate that overall turnout in this special runoff reached nearly 8 % of registered voters — a significant number for an off-cycle election, especially one held amid challenging weather conditions earlier in the week. While those turnout figures may appear modest compared with general election participation, special elections and runoffs traditionally generate lower engagement, making this level of voter activity notable to election analysts.
County elections officials will continue compiling results as all precincts report and provisional ballots are reviewed. Final results will be certified following this reporting phase, which may occur in the days after the initial count. Historical data from the county’s archives show that detailed results by precinct and voting method, along with post-election audits, will be released in the weeks following the election.
Key Takeaways From the Election Day Reporting
- Early tallies poured in showing Democrat Taylor Rehmet leading Republican Leigh Wambsganss by a significant margin in the 2026 State Senate District 9 runoff.
- The district’s historically Republican electorate and strong early Democratic performance highlight evolving political dynamics.
- Weather disruptions earlier in the week did not prevent substantial voter turnout on Election Day itself.
- The results of this election may influence how both major parties approach upcoming primaries and the general elections later in 2026 in Texas.
Looking ahead, Tarrant County’s final unofficial and then official results will clarify the ultimate outcome of this closely watched legislative race.
Share what you think about the election outcome and follow updates as final results become available in this evolving local political story.