Texas Republican voters delivered a clear message in the 2nd Congressional District: they want a fighter, not a talker. State Rep. Steve Toth defeated incumbent Rep. Dan Crenshaw in the GOP primary, sending the longtime congressman packing.
In a press release, Toth said voters are looking for someone in Washington who will “stand firm in his convictions,” “fight for his constituents,” and actually follow through on promises. Imagine that — accountability in Congress. What a concept.
“Congressional District 2 voters want a representative in D.C. who will stand firm in his convictions, fight for his constituents, and follow through on his promises,” Toth said. “I won’t let them down.”
Groups backing Toth weren’t shy about celebrating the result. The Freedom Caucus Fund said it was “proud to have supported” him in a race to “retire RINO anti-Trump Congressman Dan Crenshaw.” Allison Weisenberger of House Freedom Fund and House Freedom Action added that Crenshaw “found out just how powerful grassroots conservatives are” when they unite behind a candidate like Toth.
Notably, President Donald Trump did not endorse Crenshaw in the race. Some voters told the Washington Examiner that the lack of an endorsement didn’t weigh heavily on their decision — though the outcome suggests enthusiasm for Crenshaw was already running on empty.
Crenshaw’s image has taken hits in recent years. In February 2025, Breitbart News reported he was caught on a hot mic saying he would “probably kill” former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, according to a British journalist who conducted the interview. Not exactly the kind of soundbite you want floating around during an election year.
Adding to the baggage, a January 2025 study from Unusual Whales found Crenshaw ranked among the top 15 members of Congress who traded stocks in 2024. Funny how “public service” keeps lining up with “private profit.”
Toth’s victory reflects a broader shift among Texas Republicans toward candidates who openly embrace conservative principles and aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. Voters wanted a representative who would fight for them, not one who blended into Washington’s background noise.
And in this race, the message was loud and clear: Texas conservatives chose conviction over comfort — and that’s a win for the grassroots and for the future.
