▲ Menefee, elected as a U.S. Representative from Texas
In a special election for the Texas State Senate, a Democratic candidate secured a decisive victory against a Republican candidate in what is traditionally a Republican stronghold.
Following victories in the New York mayoral and Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial elections last November, the Democratic Party continues its winning streak in local special elections. This trend is leading to growing concerns within the Republican Party as the midterm elections approach in November.
According to U.S. media reports on the 1st (local time), Democratic candidate Taylor Remet defeated Republican candidate Lee Wormsgans by a margin of 14 percentage points in the Texas State Senate special election held the previous day.
Texas is typically dominated by the Republican Party in state government and the state legislature, and the district where Remet won is a solid Republican stronghold, evidenced by former President Trump winning the area by 17 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election.
Former President Trump expressed support for Wormsgans on social media, describing him as a successful entrepreneur and “a very excellent supporter” of his MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement.
Nonetheless, the significant victory by the Democratic candidate suggests a shift in public sentiment against former President Trump.
The Democratic Party interprets this outcome as a sign of continued momentum ahead of the midterm elections.
Ken Martin, Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), stated, “The Democratic Party is continuing an unprecedented, above-expectations performance, and that momentum is not slowing down.”
Wormsgans, who lost the election, issued a statement describing the Democratic victory as a “wake-up call” for Republicans locally and nationally.
Given that Texas borders Mexico, making it a key area for former President Trump’s stringent crackdown on illegal immigration, this result is seen as notable by some observers.
Following the fatal shootings of two Americans last month in Minnesota by immigration enforcement officers, some analysts suggest the backlash against Trump administration’s immigration policies symbolically reflects declining public approval of its governance.
On the same day, Democratic candidate Christian Menefee won a special election in Texas’ 18th congressional district.
By adding another congressional seat in Texas, the Democratic Party has weakened the Republican majority in the House.
The 18th district is a predominantly Democratic area, where Menefee defeated fellow Democrat Amanda Edwards in a runoff election.
The district became vacant in March last year, following the death of former Democratic Representative Sylvester Turner.
Menefee will serve as a Representative for the remainder of Turner’s term, which lasts until January next year.
During his campaign, Menefee advocated for universal healthcare and promised to impeach Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, who spearheads the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies.
With this special election, Democrats increase their hold in the House by one seat, meaning Republicans must prevent defections of their members to maintain control.
Of the 435 total House seats, Republicans currently hold 218, Democrats 213, and four seats, including Texas’ 18th district, remain vacant.
Once Representative Menefee is sworn in, the Republican-Democrat seat gap will narrow from five to four.
President Trump, at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, responded to questions about the Texas election results by saying, “I have no stake in the Texas local election,” and added, “I won by 17 percentage points, and this person lost. Things like that happen.”
Regarding the Texas Republican Senate primary, Trump said, “I am considering endorsing a particular candidate very seriously. It is said that the candidate I support wins, and that’s probably true.”
(Photo=AP, Yonhap News)