What began as a standard race to fill a state senate seat in Tarrant County has escalated into one of Texas’ most expensive and contentious elections this year, centered on the future of legal gambling in the state.
The contest for Senate District 9 has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of Sands Casino, which is advocating for legalized gambling, and conservative groups that oppose such measures. The district, located in northern Tarrant County and typically favoring Republicans, features two main candidates with opposing views on casino expansion: Leigh Wambsganss, a conservative activist and executive at Patriot Mobile, and John Huffman, former mayor of Southlake.
Wambsganss is supported by prominent figures including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, and President Donald Trump. She contends that large gambling interests are attempting to “buy Texas politics.” Her campaign has accused Huffman of being closely tied to Las Vegas Sands, highlighting over $1.2 million in direct contributions from the Adelson family—owners of both Sands Casino and the Dallas Mavericks—and an additional $2 million spent on advertising supporting his candidacy.
Huffman, who works in real estate development and has received endorsements from Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and State Rep. Charlie Geren, argues that Texans should have the opportunity to decide on casino resorts through a public vote. “Texans can decide for themselves whether they want destination resorts,” he said. He also noted that the Adelsons have been longstanding donors to leading Republican politicians such as Trump and Cruz.
Huffman responded to Wambsganss’s criticism by pointing out her husband’s previous involvement with charitable gaming operations, describing her position as hypocritical.
Personal attacks have marked the campaign’s final days. A manipulated image showing Wambsganss with a satanic symbol circulated online late in the race; she called it “demonic.” Lt. Gov. Patrick defended her while blaming Huffman’s campaign for its appearance—a charge his team denied.
The broader issue behind this race involves plans by casino operators led by Sands Casino to seek legislative approval next session for a constitutional amendment allowing resort-style casinos in Texas. Such an amendment would require support from two-thirds of both legislative chambers as well as statewide voter approval. Patrick has stated that there currently is not enough support in the Senate for this measure.
A third candidate, Democrat Taylor Rehmet—a machinist and former union leader—hopes divisions among Republicans will boost his chances. He supports expanding casinos if it results in “good union-paying jobs” and promises to focus on workers’ rights and higher wages.
Early voting has ended after millions were spent on campaigns, making this election pivotal not only for Tarrant County representation but also for determining whether Texas moves forward with legalizing casinos.
