MAGA Supporters Mock Dan Crenshaw After Texas Primary Loss

Crenshaw defeated by State Rep. Steve Toth after failing to secure Trump endorsement

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Multiple MAGA supporters are mocking Houston Representative Dan Crenshaw for losing Tuesday's Republican primary election after he failed to secure an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. State Representative Steve Toth defeated Crenshaw after picking up a late endorsement from Senator Ted Cruz. Many who mocked Crenshaw called him a 'RINO,' or 'Republican in name only,' a phrase some conservatives use for people they believe are not aligned enough with traditional Republican principles.

Why it matters

Crenshaw's loss highlights the continued influence of Trump and his MAGA base within the Republican party, as well as the growing divide between more traditional conservatives and the party's populist wing. The outcome could also impact the balance of power in the House of Representatives if Toth is able to hold the seat in the general election.

The details

Crenshaw, a three-term incumbent, was defeated by Toth, a more conservative state representative, in Tuesday's primary. Neither candidate received an endorsement from Trump, but Toth was able to secure the backing of Senator Ted Cruz late in the race. Many MAGA supporters celebrated Crenshaw's loss, labeling him a 'RINO' and saying 'bye bye' to the incumbent.

  • The Republican primary election in Texas took place on March 3, 2026.

The players

Dan Crenshaw

A three-term Republican Congressman representing Texas's 2nd congressional district.

Steve Toth

A Texas state representative who defeated Crenshaw in the Republican primary.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who did not endorse Crenshaw in the primary.

Ted Cruz

The Republican Senator from Texas who endorsed Toth late in the primary race.

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What they’re saying

“Today is a great day in the Texas primaries. Bye bye, RINO Dan!”

— Evan Kilgore, Political commentator (Twitter)

“Incumbent RINO Dan Crenshaw didn't just lose his primary to Steve Toth, he lost his primary by double digits.”

— Brigitte Gabriel, Founder, Act for America (Twitter)

“Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw LOSES Republican primary to Steve Toth, he will now be UNSEATED come November in District 2. President Trump notably did not endorse Crenshaw. Wow! UPSET LOSS for Crenshaw.”

— Eric Daugherty, Conservative journalist (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

The general election in Texas's 2nd congressional district will take place in November 2026, with Steve Toth as the Republican nominee.

The takeaway

Crenshaw's primary loss underscores the continued influence of Trump and his MAGA base within the Republican party, as well as the growing divide between traditional conservatives and the party's populist wing. The outcome could have implications for the balance of power in the House of Representatives if Toth is able to hold the seat in the general election.