On November 3, voters in Fort Worth and the broader Tarrant County area will head to the polls to elect representatives for two Texas Senate districts that directly affect their neighborhoods. District 9, which recently turned blue, and the currently vacant District 22 are both on the ballot.
District 9: Rehmet vs. Wambsganss
Incumbent Democrat Taylor Rehmet is seeking a full term after winning a special runoff in February. Rehmet, an Air Force veteran and former union representative, emphasizes his military service and labor background as qualifications for the Senate.
Challenging him is Republican Leigh Wambsganss, the chief communications officer for Patriot Mobile, a Christian‑conservative cell‑phone provider based in Grapevine. Wambsganss, who proudly identifies as “ultra‑MAGA,” received an endorsement from President Trump, underscoring his business experience and commitment to conservative principles. She has highlighted border security and the protection of gun rights as top priorities, alongside the district’s rising cost of living, public education, and property‑tax relief.
District 22: Cook vs. Martinez‑Salas
Republican David Cook, a Mansfield native who has served Texas House District 96 since 2021, is running for the open Senate seat. Cook co‑manages a law firm, works for a title company, and previously served as Mansfield mayor from 2008 to 2021. He says his Senate agenda will focus on property‑tax relief, securing the border, and cutting wasteful spending.
His Democratic opponent, Amy Martinez‑Salas, is a legal assistant making her first bid for public office. Martinez‑Salas stresses accessible health care, strong public education, and sustainable water and infrastructure. She plans to challenge the state’s school‑voucher program and advocates for higher teacher pay and increased classroom funding.
Local Issues Driving the Campaigns
All four candidates have cited the rising cost of living, public‑education quality, and property‑tax relief as central concerns for Fort Worth residents. Rehmet has urged constituents to hold state and local officials accountable amid recent state takeovers of public schools and the rollout of a new school‑voucher program. Both Senate races have also drawn attention to data‑center expansion and water‑usage concerns across the region.
The District 9 race gained national attention because a Republican had historically held the seat. Wambsganss’s Trump endorsement signals the administration’s continued support for candidates who champion conservative values and economic freedom in the Lone Star State.
What Voters Need to Know
Polling places will be open until 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters should verify their registration status and bring proper identification. The winner in each district will serve a four‑year term in the Texas Senate, shaping legislation that impacts everything from education policy to property taxes for Fort Worth families.
For more information on the candidates, their platforms, and voting locations, visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website or contact the Tarrant County Elections Office.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
