Houston Rep. Dan Crenshaw loses primary to state Rep. Steve Toth

Crenshaw, a well-known Republican, was defeated in his party's primary election after his district was redrawn to be more conservative.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a Republican from Houston, released a brief statement Wednesday morning after his surprising loss to state Rep. Steve Toth in the Republican primary election. Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL who has been an outspoken conservative voice in Congress, said it was "an honor to serve the people of Texas' second congressional district." His defeat came after his district was redrawn last year to be more conservative.

Why it matters

Crenshaw's loss is a significant political upset, as he was considered one of the state's most well-known Republican members of Congress. His defeat highlights the growing influence of more conservative factions within the GOP, even in traditionally Republican-leaning districts.

The details

Crenshaw failed to secure the endorsement of former President Donald Trump and had been in an ongoing feud with right-wing media figures. While largely supportive of Trump's policies, Crenshaw disputed the former president's unfounded claims that he won the 2020 election, calling GOP efforts to block former President Joe Biden from being seated "political theater."

  • Crenshaw released his statement on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, following his primary loss.
  • Crenshaw's district was redrawn to be more conservative last year, prior to the 2026 primary election.

The players

Dan Crenshaw

A Republican U.S. Representative from Texas's 2nd congressional district, who was defeated in the 2026 primary election by a more conservative challenger.

Steve Toth

A Republican state Representative in Texas who defeated Dan Crenshaw in the 2026 primary election for the 2nd congressional district.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whose endorsement Crenshaw failed to secure ahead of the primary election.

Joe Biden

The current President of the United States, whose victory in the 2020 election Crenshaw acknowledged despite efforts by some Republicans to block his certification.

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What they’re saying

“I am proud of what we accomplished together. My life has been about service to this great county and that will not change.”

— Dan Crenshaw, U.S. Representative (Houston Chronicle)

“GOP efforts to block former President Joe Biden from being seated, "political theater.”

— Dan Crenshaw, U.S. Representative (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The winner of the Republican primary, Steve Toth, will now face the Democratic nominee in the general election for Texas's 2nd congressional district.

The takeaway

Crenshaw's defeat highlights the growing influence of more conservative factions within the Republican Party, even in traditionally Republican-leaning districts. It also underscores the political risks for GOP members who break with the party's base on certain issues, such as Crenshaw's acknowledgment of Biden's 2020 election victory.