What began as a standard race to fill a Texas state senate seat has escalated into one of the most expensive and contentious contests in the state this year, with legal gambling at the center of the debate.
The upcoming election for Senate District 9 in northern Tarrant County is drawing significant attention due to heavy involvement from Sands Casino, which is pushing for legalized gambling in Texas. The district, which typically favors Republican candidates, now features a heated competition between conservative activist Leigh Wambsganss and former Southlake Mayor John Huffman. The two candidates are sharply divided over whether Texans should have the opportunity to vote on casino expansion.
Wambsganss, an executive at Patriot Mobile, has received endorsements from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, and former President Donald Trump. She contends that large gambling companies are attempting to influence Texas politics through financial contributions. Her campaign has accused Huffman of being controlled by Las Vegas Sands, noting that the Adelson family—owners of both Sands Casino and the Dallas Mavericks—has contributed more than $1.2 million directly to his campaign and funded an additional $2 million in advertising.
Huffman, who works as a real estate developer and is supported by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and State Representative Charlie Geren, frames the issue as one of voter autonomy. “Texans can decide for themselves whether they want destination resorts,” he said, adding that the Adelsons have historically donated to leading Republicans such as Trump and Cruz.
He also criticized Wambsganss regarding her husband’s previous involvement with charitable gaming operations, calling her attacks hypocritical.
The race has grown increasingly personal. A manipulated image showing Wambsganss with a satanic symbol circulated late in the campaign; she called it “demonic.” Patrick defended her and blamed Huffman’s campaign for the image, though Huffman’s team denied any connection.
Beyond these personal disputes lies a broader policy battle expected during the next legislative session in Austin. Casino operators led by Sands plan to advocate for a constitutional amendment that would allow resort-style casinos in Texas—a change requiring supermajority approval in both legislative chambers as well as statewide voter support. However, Patrick maintains there are not enough votes in the Senate to pass such an amendment.
A third candidate in the race is Democrat Taylor Rehmet, a machinist and former union leader. Rehmet supports expanding casinos if it results in “good union-paying jobs” and promises to prioritize workers’ rights and higher wages.
With early voting concluded and millions already invested in campaigning, observers say the result will affect not only local representation but also future efforts to bring casino gambling to Texas.
