A deep-red Fort Worth district flips blue by double digits, triggering Republican anxiety over immigration, economics, and a fragile electoral coalition heading into November
Republicans are confronting a political gut check after a dramatic Democratic upset in a ruby-red Texas state Senate district, a result that party leaders and strategists now view as an unmistakable warning about eroding support among Hispanic voters.
Over the weekend, Democrat Taylor Rehmet captured a Fort Worth–based state Senate seat by 14 points—a district that Donald Trump carried by 17 points in 2024. The 31-point swing stunned GOP operatives and was driven largely by sharp Democratic gains in heavily Hispanic precincts, confirming what recent polling had already suggested: Republicans’ post-2024 advances with Latino voters may be unraveling faster than expected.
The result has set off near-panic within Republican circles, particularly in Texas, where Hispanics now account for roughly 40% of the population and represent the single most consequential voting bloc for statewide races.
“It should be an eye-opener to all of us that we all need to pick up the pace,” said Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), whose South Texas district is majority Hispanic. “The candidate has to do their part, the party has to do their part.”
Senior Texas Republicans echoed the concern. Sen. Ted Cruz called the outcome “very concerning,” while Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick described it as a “wake-up call.” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned that “a swing of this magnitude is not something that can be dismissed.”
