Dan Crenshaw Suffers Stunning Upset in Texas GOP Primary: ‘Enjoy Unemployment’

Texas state Rep. Steve Toth

 

 decisively defeated Rep. Dan Crenshaw in the GOP primary for the Texas 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday. Toth's win represents a significant victory for the MAGA faction of the Republican Party.

 Toth, a hard-line conservative backed by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), captured roughly 56% of the vote to Crenshaw's 40.5%, according to projections from the Associated Press and other outlets.

The upset—described as "stunning" in some media corners–underscores an ongoing purge of establishment figures perceived as insufficiently loyal to President Trump. Crenshaw is a four-term incumbent.

President Trump declined to endorse Crenshaw before the race, making him the only House Republican in Texas not to receive an endorsement. 

“He told me he would — it’s up to him, he doesn’t owe me anything,” Crenshaw told CNN.

But the congressman, a former Navy SEAL, struggled to garner support amongst the America First crowd, frequently voicing Ukraine First sympathies, condemning the mostly peaceful protest on January 6th, and chastizing those questioning the integrity of the 2020 presidential election.

---

READ MORE: Dan Crenshaw Forced to Deny Being Banned From International Travel After Alleged Alcohol-Fueled Incident

Bitter Jasmine Crockett Blames 'Cheating' After Vote Counts in Texas Senate Race Don't Go Her Way

---

Aside from a noticeable lack of support from the President, Crenshaw also managed to get into a dust-up with Cruz at an airport in recent months, accusing the Senator of working against his reelection bid.

"If I’m working against you, you’re gonna know it," Cruz reportedly responded.

Within days, Cruz dropped an endorsement for Toth, saying, "You deserve an unwavering fighter, a Republican who walks the walk."

Critics of Crenshaw, whom Toth described as a "version of Liz Cheney," were quick to pile on after his defeat came into focus.

"Enjoy unemployment, Crenshaw!" wrote conservative commentator Nick Sortor.

"Dan Crenshaw just lost his House seat," Robby Starbuck celebrated. "All the (money) and incumbent advantages couldn’t save him from primary voters who’ve had enough of all talk politicians. Republican voters want action, and they’re tired of the establishment."

Several months ago, Crenshaw was reportedly hit with a three-month ban on international travel following an alcohol-related incident during a congressional trip to Mexico.

A Mexican official during that trip reportedly made a crude joke about a woman who was present, making her feel "uncomfortable." The Texas Rep. allegedly toasted the remarks. he did not deny the incident, but downplayed it as a "very boring" story.

Crenshaw has long had a strained relationship with conservatives who view him as embedded with establishment Republicans due to his strong advocacy for U.S. foreign aid to Ukraine and interventionist policies often labeled as "neocon," not to mention his opposition to rolling back vaccine mandates.

Toth is expected to win his district, which remains solidly Republican, in November's general election.

Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.