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Incumbent Democratic state Sen. Taylor Rehmet will face Republican challenger Leigh Wambsganss to represent District 9 in the Texas Senate in the Nov. 3 election.
District 9 covers Tarrant County and includes cities such as Keller, Colleyville and Southlake and parts of Fort Worth.
What you need to know
Early voting for the Nov. 3 election runs from Oct. 19-30. Election Day is Nov. 3. The final day to register to vote is Oct. 5.
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or shortened to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
State Senator, U.S. Air Force veteran, IAM Texas Union president, Texas AFL-CIO VP
Why are you running for this position?
I’m running for reelection to keep Texas focused on basics like lower property taxes, strong public schools, safe communities and a growing economy. As a veteran and aerospace machinist, I believe in solving problems, respecting taxpayers and working across party lines to deliver practical results for working families.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priorities are lowering property taxes, strengthening public schools and protecting Texans from the damage of unchecked AI data center growth. I support better teacher pay and workforce training, requiring data centers to pay infrastructure costs and making sure economic growth benefits families instead of leaving them the bill.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Property taxes and traffic are two of the biggest challenges facing our district. I support increasing and indexing the homestead exemption, using state dollars to lower school property tax rates and investing more in transportation. North Texas cannot toll its way out of congestion or affordability.
What projects are most important for the legislature to focus on for the future<br>of Texas?
Texas must grow responsibly. We need a stronger electric grid, secure water supplies and infrastructure that keeps pace. Texas should attract major employers, but public incentives must come with accountability like good-paying jobs, responsible resource use and community investment. Growth should benefit taxpayers and workers, not leave them the bill.
Small business owner and longtime advocate for Texas families, with 30+ years advancing common-sense policies
Why are you running for this position?
Working families need a fighter with a record. I paid my way through college, built a business, raised two sons and I’ve been showing up for over 34 years by volunteering before appearing on a ballot. Texas families deserve a hard-working, experienced senator focused on practical solutions and accountable government.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Texas families deserve action now: real tax relief, lower insurance costs, workforce<br>training and apprenticeships that lead to good-paying jobs, strong public schools where<br>85% of SD9 students learn, data center audits and removing their tax abatements, these<br>practical solutions lower the cost of living for working families.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Public education is a top concern as two SD9 school districts were taken over by the state<br>due to poor performance. Families are being squeezed by rising property taxes and<br>insurance costs, while unchecked growth strains our roads, schools and infrastructure.<br>Data center proximity to neighborhoods is a top concern.
What projects are most important for the legislature to focus on for the future of<br>Texas?
Affordability comes first: keep cutting property taxes and insurance costs. Put<br>hardworking Texans and small businesses ahead of special interests. Secure our power<br>grid and water. Implement data center policy that protects our citizens, neighborhoods<br>and natural resources. Build workforce pipelines and make Texas public schools better<br>for all students.
