Dan Crenshaw Loses Texas Primary to Conservative Challenger

Republican Representative Dan Crenshaw has lost his Texas primary to state Representative Steve Toth, becoming the first incumbent member of Congress to be defeated in the 2026 midterm election cycle.

Toth successfully framed the four-term incumbent as insufficiently conservative and not aligned enough with President Donald Trump's America First agenda. Crenshaw was the only GOP House member seeking re-election in Tuesday's Texas primaries who did not receive Trump's endorsement.

The primary contest focused on Crenshaw's past criticism of Trump's refusal to accept the 2020 election results and his support for aid to Ukraine, positions that drew opposition from conservative activists. Despite Crenshaw's attempts to associate himself with Trump during the campaign—including praising the recent military operation in Iran—Toth's message resonated with primary voters.

Senator Ted Cruz endorsed Toth late in the race, appearing in an ad that argued voters deserve "an unwavering fighter, a Republican who walks the walk." Toth, an ordained pastor with a reputation as one of the most conservative members of the state Legislature, had previously received Trump's endorsement in his legislative bids.

Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL who lost his right eye during combat in Afghanistan and deployed overseas twice after his injury, was first elected in 2018. The district was redrawn in Texas's recent Republican-led redistricting process, creating an even more conservative electorate.

Toth's victory essentially guarantees his seat in Congress given the district's strong Republican lean. The outcome underscores the ongoing influence of Trump-aligned politics in GOP primaries and the risks for incumbents perceived as insufficiently loyal to the party's conservative wing.