GOP challenger Steve Toth ousts Rep. Dan Crenshaw in Texas primary - AP News
AP News
March 4, 2026
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In a significant upset in the Texas Republican primary, GOP challenger Steve Toth defeated incumbent Rep. Dan Crenshaw in a closely contested race for the U.S. House seat representing Texas' 2nd congressional district. The victory marks an unexpected shift within the party and underscores growing internal divisions over key issues such as immigration and political messaging. Toth’s win signals a potential realignment among conservative voters, who appear to be prioritizing hard-line stances on border security and cultural issues over traditional foreign policy approaches.
Crenshaw, a three-term incumbent known for his national security expertise and ties to former President Donald Trump, had been widely seen as the favorite heading into the primary. His campaign focused heavily on his military background and support for strong U.S.-Israel relations, which had previously resonated with voters in a district that includes parts of Houston and its suburbs. However, Toth’s aggressive messaging on border security and economic populism gained traction among a segment of the electorate dissatisfied with Crenshaw's perceived establishment ties.
Toth’s campaign capitalized on frustration over rising inflation, crime, and what he framed as Crenshaw’s insufficient focus on domestic issues compared to foreign policy. His victory, which came despite being outraised by millions, highlights the power of grassroots organizing and issue-specific messaging in modern elections. Toth’s win also reflects a broader trend within the GOP where candidates with more extreme views are
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Originally published on AP News on 3/4/2026