Texas Senate Special Election Could Transform Casino Gambling

UPDATE: A special election in Texas on November 7, 2023, is poised to change the landscape of casino gambling in the state. Voters in Tarrant County must choose between candidates Leigh Wambsganss, John Huffman, and Taylor Rehmet, with significant implications for future casino legislation.

This election, triggered by the resignation of Sen. Kelly Hancock, has escalated into a costly and high-stakes battle, attracting national attention. The two leading candidates, Wambsganss and Huffman, represent opposing views on whether Texans should be allowed to vote on legalizing casinos.

Leigh Wambsganss, a right-wing activist backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Texas oil mogul Tim Dunn, is campaigning against gambling expansion. She claims that the casino industry, particularly the powerful Las Vegas Sands, is using its wealth to manipulate public opinion. “Those gambling entities have billions and billions of dollars, and they can really do an incredible misinformation campaign,” Wambsganss stated emphatically.

In stark contrast, John Huffman, former mayor of Southlake and favored by Las Vegas Sands, has received over $1.2 million from the Adelson family, known for their substantial political contributions. Additionally, political action committees linked to Sands have injected another $2 million into Huffman’s campaign, making his candidacy a focal point in the debate over gambling.

Wambsganss has labeled Huffman a “wholly owned subsidiary of Sands,” suggesting his support for legalized gambling would open the floodgates to corporate influence. Huffman, however, maintains that the race is centered on local issues. He insists, “I believe that Texans can decide for themselves whether or not they want these large destination resorts inside the state.”

The backdrop of this election is critical, as Lt. Gov. Patrick has pledged to prevent any gambling expansion vote that lacks majority support from Republican senators. His endorsement of Wambsganss, alongside a $250,000 donation via a third-party PAC, underscores the election’s significance in shaping Texas’ gambling policies.

Democrat Taylor Rehmet, a labor organizer, is recognized as a long-shot candidate. With early voting concluded, the turnout on Election Day will be pivotal. Even if Huffman wins, the pro-casino faction might not secure enough votes to advance any constitutional amendments. Nonetheless, a victory for Huffman could indicate that Sands’ financial power can effectively influence Republican primaries and alter the current political dynamics.

As election day approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The outcome will not only determine the future of casino gambling in Texas but will also reflect the growing influence of corporate money in state politics. Voters are encouraged to participate and make their voices heard as this critical decision looms.