Texas Rep. Steve Toth defeats GOP Rep. Dan Crenshaw in primary upset

Toth's victory tests loyalty to the former president in a race that highlighted divisions within the Republican party

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

State Rep. Steve Toth has defeated four-term US Rep. Dan Crenshaw in the Republican primary for Texas' 2nd Congressional District, a stunning upset that reflects the growing influence of the conservative wing of the GOP. Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL, had a complicated relationship with the MAGA movement due to his support for Ukraine and Afghan allies, as well as his vote to certify Trump's 2020 election loss. Toth, a former megachurch pastor and one of the most conservative members of the Texas legislature, was endorsed by Sen. Ted Cruz and campaigned against Crenshaw's perceived lack of loyalty to the former president.

Why it matters

Toth's victory highlights the ongoing power struggle within the Republican party between establishment figures like Crenshaw and more hardline conservatives aligned with the MAGA movement. It also signals the continued influence of former President Trump and his allies, who have sought to oust GOP members they view as insufficiently loyal.

The details

Crenshaw, who has served four terms in Congress, was seen as vulnerable due to his policy differences with the conservative wing of the party. He has clashed with Trump and MAGA supporters over his support for Ukraine, his vote to certify the 2020 election results, and his criticism of 'grifters' and 'performance artists' in the GOP. Toth, a former megachurch pastor, has been one of the most conservative members of the Texas legislature and was censured in 2024 for campaigning against fellow Republicans he deemed too 'liberal'. Toth ousted Crenshaw despite being significantly outspent in the race.

  • The Republican primary election in Texas' 2nd Congressional District was held on March 5, 2026.

The players

Steve Toth

A former megachurch pastor and one of the most conservative members of the Texas legislature, who defeated incumbent Rep. Dan Crenshaw in the Republican primary for Texas' 2nd Congressional District.

Dan Crenshaw

A four-term Republican congressman and former Navy SEAL who was defeated by Steve Toth in the primary for Texas' 2nd Congressional District.

Ted Cruz

The US Senator from Texas who endorsed Steve Toth and appeared in a super PAC ad backing the challenger against Crenshaw.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Toth will now face Democrat Shaun Finnie in the November general election for Texas' 2nd Congressional District, which remains a strongly Republican-leaning seat.

The takeaway

Toth's victory over the more moderate Crenshaw reflects the growing influence of the conservative wing of the Republican party, which has sought to oust lawmakers it deems insufficiently loyal to former President Trump and his MAGA movement. This primary upset highlights the ongoing power struggle within the GOP and the continued impact of Trump's political legacy.