Texas Special Election Could Shape the Future of Casino Gambling in Texas
High-Stakes Election in Tarrant County
A special election for a vacant state Senate seat in Tarrant County, Texas, has unexpectedly become one of the most costly and closely watched races in the state. Voters in Senate District 9 face a choice between three candidates: Leigh Wambsganss, John Huffman, and Taylor Rehmet. The outcome of this election could have significant implications for the future of casino gambling legislation in Texas.
Core Issue: The Gambling Debate
This election follows the resignation of Senator Kelly Hancock and has gained attention beyond state lines. The contest features two well-financed Republican candidates who share some policy views but diverge sharply over whether Texans should decide through a public vote on legalizing casinos.
Leigh Wambsganss, a conservative activist backed by influential figures including the Texas Lieutenant Governor and an oil magnate, has focused her campaign on opposing the expansion of gambling. She asserts that the casino industry, particularly major players like Las Vegas Sands, is leveraging its vast financial resources to manipulate public opinion.
“Those gambling entities have billions and billions of dollars, and they can really do an incredible misinformation campaign.”
Leigh Wambsganss
On the other hand, John Huffman, a former mayor of Southlake, is supported by the political network associated with Sands. Notably, the family of Miriam Adelson, who is linked to the Dallas Mavericks and the late casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson, has contributed over $1.2 million to Huffman’s campaign. Additional funding exceeding $2 million has been poured into advertising by political action committees aligned with Sands.
Implications of a Huffman Victory
Wambsganss has criticized Huffman, describing him as a “wholly owned subsidiary” of Sands and warning that his stance on legalized gambling would invite overwhelming corporate influence into Texas politics. Huffman’s supporters counter that the race is centered on local issues rather than gambling, but many observers recognize the broader stakes, considering Sands’ long-term efforts to introduce luxury casino resorts in Texas.
“I believe that Texans can decide for themselves whether or not they want these large destination resorts inside the state.”
John Huffman
Lieutenant Governor Patrick remains a formidable obstacle to casino expansion, pledging to block any gambling legislation lacking majority support from Republican senators. His endorsement of Wambsganss, along with a substantial $250,000 contribution through a third-party political action committee, underscores the strategic importance of the District 9 seat in this debate.
Meanwhile, Democrat Taylor Rehmet, a labor organizer, is considered an underdog in the contest. With early voting concluded, the turnout on Election Day will be a critical factor. Even if Huffman wins, the pro-casino advocates still lack sufficient votes to pass a constitutional amendment allowing casino casinos. However, a Huffman win would signal that the financial power of Sands can influence Republican primaries and potentially challenge the existing political balance in Texas.
