Frisco Insider - Senate + Car Help + More

Howdy, Frisco!

Happy Wednesday, friends. If you’ve made it this far into the week, you deserve an award, or at least an extra coffee. Between election drama, moon gazing, and pumpkin spice fatigue (yes, it’s real), it’s been a Texas-sized week already.

But don’t worry, for today’s “Texas” edition I’ve rounded up everything you need to know, the latest state shake ups, an Abbott announcement, and a reminder to look up tonight because the sky’s putting on a show.

Let’s dive in!

🗳 Three Way Faceoff: North Texas Senate Special Election Heats Up

Tarrant County voters are hitting the polls this week to fill the Senate District 9 seat vacated by Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. Competing for the spot are two Republicans, John Huffman, former Southlake mayor, and Leigh Wambsganss, a conservative activist, and Democrat Taylor Rehmet, an Air Force vet and machinist.

The race has turned into a fiery showdown between the GOP’s establishment wing and the right base. Wambsganss boasts endorsements from Trump, Ted Cruz, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, while Huffman’s camp is backed by Fort Worth’s mayor, police associations, and casino billionaire Miriam Adelson.

Rehmet, meanwhile, is running a grassroots campaign focused on working class families, saying, “You can’t feed your family with partisanship.” If no one clears 50%, a runoff’s coming, and given this drama, that might just be the sequel none of us asked for but all of us will watch.

The Best Automotive Company in Frisco

Your car deserves premium care, and your schedule deserves convenience. Since 2004, Fifth Gear Automotive has delivered expert repair and maintenance for European, import, domestic, and electric vehicles. Our ASE-Certified technicians are backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty, ensuring peace of mind. We combine dealership-level expertise with the personalized service and fair pricing of an independent shop. From no cost pick-up and delivery to easy online scheduling and digital inspections sent straight to your phone, we make car care effortless. You can review, approve, and prioritize recommended repairs with complete transparency, no pressure, no surprises. With over 100 years of combined experience, our team has built its reputation on honesty, precision, and exceptional customer service.

Your time matters to us, so we make sure getting your car serviced is simple, honest, and hassle-free from start to finish – Book your appointment today!

🏫 Texas A&M Paid Former President $3.5 Million After Resignation

Texas A&M University quietly paid former president Mark A. Welsh III over $3.5 million after his sudden resignation in September, new records show. Welsh had clashed with regents following controversy over a gender identity lecture that sparked outrage from conservative lawmakers.

Emails revealed Welsh pushed for a full contract payout, citing promises from regents to “get him paid in full.” He ultimately received the multi million dollar separation despite calls from some board members to deny it.

This payout adds to A&M’s recent financial fireworks, including a $75 million football coach buyout and a $1 million settlement with a journalism professor last year. That’s a whole lot of maroon money flying around.

Abbott Threatens “100% Tariff” on New Yorkers Moving to Texas

Governor Greg Abbott raised eyebrows this week after declaring he’ll impose a “100% tariff on anyone moving from NYC to Texas after Election Day.”

The announcement came as New York voters chose between Andrew Cuomo and socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani in a heated mayoral race. Abbott didn’t specify how this “tariff” would work, but he certainly grabbed headlines.

When asked if he was serious, Abbott’s team didn’t respond. Texans, meanwhile, are just wondering if that means fewer out of state drivers who use blinkers as a suggestion.

🍷 Wine & Cheese Walk — Downtown McKinney | Ticketed

📍 Saturday, Nov. 8 | 12 PM – 6 PM | 111 N Tennessee St, McKinney
Spend your Saturday sipping, shopping, and pairing the good stuff at McKinney’s fall Wine & Cheese Walk. Four local wineries, Lone Star, Baron’s Creek, 4R Ranch, and Landon Winery ,are teaming up to serve up 16+ pours, artisan cheeses, and small bites across downtown boutiques.

Perfect for a Friendsgiving outing or a fall date day. 🍷
Details: event link

🎨 McKinney Art Social Happy Hour & Networking | No Cost

📍 Saturday, Nov. 8 | 5 PM – 7 PM | McKinney Art Gallery, 118 E Louisiana St
Celebrate McKinney’s creative side with local artists, live painting, and good vibes. The Art Club of McKinney is hosting this happy hour meets gallery night as part of the annual McKinney Art Studio Tour.

Enjoy refreshments, chat with artists, and maybe even commission a piece for your living room. It’s artsy, friendly, and delightfully unpretentious.

Details: event link

🎤 Verbz & Vibez Live (Frisco) | Ticketed

📍 Saturday, Nov. 8 | 8 PM – 10 PM | Frisco Performing Arts Center, 9255 Preston Rd
Get ready for an electric night of music, poetry, and rhythm. Verbz & Vibez Live brings together top local performers for a soulful show packed with lyrical flow, live beats, and energy that’ll make you forget it’s only Saturday.

Grab your crew, grab a drink, and let the vibez do the rest.

Details: event link

🎸 Rachel Stacy Band at The Revel Patio Grill | Ticketed

📍 Friday, Nov. 7 | 9:30 PM – 1 AM | 9305 Preston Rd, Frisco
Kick off your weekend with powerhouse vocals and soulful Texas tunes. Rachel Stacy, a Nashville recording artist blending blues, country, and rock, takes the stage at The Revel Patio Grill for one unforgettable night.

Arrive early for the new seafood boil (seriously, don’t skip it) and stick around for the music. Doors open at 8:45 PM, 21+ after 9 PM.

Details: event link