POLITICS

Toth topples Crenshaw in heated Texas GOP primary

PUBLISHED Mar 4, 2026, 1:26 AM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 8

Center 62%

Right 38%

Sources: 8

Houston, Texas — Republican state representative Steve Toth defeated four-term U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw in the GOP primary for Texas’ 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday, unseating the incumbent after a campaign focused on alignment with former President Donald Trump’s agenda. Toth, backed by Sen. Ted Cruz and hardline conservative groups, campaigned from the right and criticized Crenshaw’s foreign policy and 2020 election positions. Crenshaw had out-raised Toth but lost amid redistricting that shifted district boundaries. Election calls showed Toth leading by roughly sixteen points. Voters cited party loyalty and alignment with Trump policies. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

August: Texas redrew its congressional map, altering district boundaries and moving Toth’s base into Crenshaw’s seat.
Late primary period: Sen. Ted Cruz endorsed Steve Toth and supported related advertising.
Primary day (Tuesday): Votes were cast and counted; outlets projected Toth’s victory over Crenshaw.
AP projection: Toth led roughly 56% to 40% with most precincts reporting.
Post-election: NBC noted Crenshaw became the first incumbent to lose renomination in the 2026 midterm cycle.

News Intelligence

This shift in Texas' GOP could impact national politics. Toth's win, backed by Trump-aligned groups, might signal a broader move rightward within the party. If you're a voter, watch for potential policy changes. If you're in Texas, your representative's priorities may shift.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 3
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 5

Who Benefited

Steve Toth, allied conservative groups, and GOP figures emphasizing loyalty benefited politically by winning a primary and shifting representation toward MAGA-aligned positions.

Who Impacted

Dan Crenshaw, his staff and supporters who favored his foreign policy positions and independent stances suffered loss of incumbency and diminished influence in the district.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 3
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 5
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 63%, Right 38%

Who Benefited

Steve Toth, allied conservative groups, and GOP figures emphasizing loyalty benefited politically by winning a primary and shifting representation toward MAGA-aligned positions.

Who Impacted

Dan Crenshaw, his staff and supporters who favored his foreign policy positions and independent stances suffered loss of incumbency and diminished influence in the district.