Steve Toth Challenging Dan Crenshaw for his Congressional Seat

Dan Crenshaw

State Rep. Steve Toth (R), a staunch conservative, has announced a primary challenge against U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R), setting the stage for a high-profile intra-party battle in Texas' 2nd Congressional District.

State Rep. Toth, who is currently serving his fifth term in the Texas House, is known for aligning with the Legislature’s rightmost flank and frequently clashing with Republican leadership. He’s criticized Rep. Crenshaw for “bending the knee to the radical left,” citing the congressman’s support for providing aid to Ukraine and his critiques of Republican figures in Congress.

“The people of Congressional District 2 deserve an unwavering conservative who will fight for our convictions,” state Rep. Toth declared. He previously voted against the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) and has positioned himself as a defender of hardline GOP principles.

Rep. Crenshaw, a Navy SEAL veteran in Congress since 2019, has supported core Republican policies like border security and opposing federal funding for gender-affirming care. However, he has also taken aim at the more combative wing of his party.

“I don’t have much to say about Steve Toth – because there’s not much to say,” Rep. Crenshaw responded. “While he was busy redrawing his home outside of TX-02, I was working hard for the people of TX-02.”

Though congressional candidates aren’t required to live in the district they represent, Rep. Crenshaw questioned state Rep. Toth’s residency, noting his Conroe home lies in neighboring TX-08. State Rep. Toth acknowledged this but emphasized, “I know this community, and I’ve been serving them for nearly a decade,” noting his Texas House district overlaps significantly with TX-02.

State Rep. Toth previously challenged Rep. Kevin Brady (R) in 2016, garnering 37% of the vote despite being heavily outspent. With congressional redistricting back on the agenda for the upcoming special session, TX-02’s political lines may once again shift, raising the stakes in this primary race.

Daniel Molina

Daniel Molina is a managing editor and legislative correspondent with a decade of experience covering the evolving political landscape of the American South and Southwest.