Trending Now - Steve Toth Triumphs Over Dan Crenshaw in Texas Primary Upset

WHO:

U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, Texas Republican, former Navy SEAL

Steve Toth, Texas state representative, businessman, and GOP challenger

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas

President Donald Trump

President Joe Biden

Shaun Finnie, Democratic nominee and investment banker

WHAT:

Steve Toth defeated Dan Crenshaw in the GOP primary for Texas' 2nd Congressional District on March 3, 2026.

Toth received endorsements from Sen. Ted Cruz and other conservative groups, while Crenshaw did not receive an endorsement from Trump.

Crenshaw was seeking his fifth term in Congress.

Toth declared victory hours before the Associated Press called the race in his favor.

Crenshaw raised $1.3 million more than Toth during the campaign.

Toth is a member of the GOP’s hard-right caucus in the Texas Legislature.

WHERE:

Texas' 2nd Congressional District, which spans the suburbs north and east of Houston.

Conroe, Texas (Toth's base).

WHEN:

Primary election held on March 3, 2026.

Crenshaw has served in the House since 2019.

Toth has been a Texas state representative since 2019.

WHY:

The primary was seen as a referendum on Crenshaw's loyalty to Trump's agenda and the conservative wing of the Republican Party.

Toth positioned himself as a more loyal conservative compared to Crenshaw, who faced criticism for his independent stance on various issues.

HOW:

Toth campaigned on a platform of being a staunch conservative and received significant endorsements from conservative leaders and organizations.

Crenshaw faced challenges due to his past criticisms of some Republican politicians and his acknowledgment of Biden's 2020 election victory.

The race was influenced by recent events, including a deadly shooting in Austin, which both candidates attempted to link to immigration issues.

In a significant upset, Steve Toth defeated Dan Crenshaw in the GOP primary for Texas' 2nd Congressional District on March 3, 2026, with endorsements from Senator Ted Cruz and other conservative groups bolstering his campaign. Crenshaw, who has served in the House since 2019 and was seeking his fifth term, raised $1.3 million more than Toth but struggled with criticisms regarding his loyalty to Trump's agenda and his independent stance on various issues. Toth, a member of the GOP’s hard-right caucus in the Texas Legislature, declared victory just hours before the Associated Press confirmed the results.