The Democrats flipped a highly watched seat in deep red Texas, despite Donald Trump's strong endorsement, and political insiders say the result will be disastrous for the Republican party.
We reported on how Trump went to bat hard for a Republican running for a Texas state senate seat, but ultimately Democrats had a massive "shock upset" instead. Trump's candidate, Leigh Wambsganss, was defeated soundly.
The reactions poured in.
Dem strategist Matt McDermott called it a "huge political earthquake in Texas tonight as Democrats flipped a State Senate seat from red to blue in a district Trump won by 17 points," and noted, "Trump personally waded in — endorsing the Republican and personally urging base turnout — and was dealt a massive loss."
"Democrats didn’t just see a 30-point shift in Texas and flip a State Senate seat red to blue: they did it while being outspent 20-to-1. This will send shockwaves through the Republican Party," the strategist then added.
Columnist Greg Sargent said, "Dems just flipped a Texas state senate seat in a district that Trump carried by 17 points."
"Not only that, but the win was decisive, making this an enormous swing," he added. "This, after Trump called her a 'true MAGA warrior' and personally urged 'all America First Patriots' to vote for her."
Pollster Adam Carlson said "Taylor Rehmet just flipped a Trump +17 Texas Senate seat (Ft. Worth/Arlington area). The recent high water mark for Dems in the district was 43.6% (Beto 2018). Rehmet’s likely to exceed 55%. The heavily Latino parts of the district shifted sharply to the left from 2024."
Influencer Mattie Timmer chimed in, saying, "The Trump regime is going to be in full authoritarian panic mode. Coming soon to a ballot storage warehouse near you: Tulsi Gabbard booking flights to MI, PA, AZ, WI, NV as we speak."