Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), who has served in the House of Representatives since 2019, lost his primary race Tuesday in the Lone Star State’s 2nd Congressional District.
Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL in his fourth term, was defeated by businessman and state representative Steve Toth.
With about three-fourths of the ballots counted, Toth had 58% of the vote to Crenshaw’s 40%. The Associated Press called the race for Toth at 1 a.m. EST.
President Trump did not endorse a candidate in the contest. Crenshaw was the only House Republican in Texas running for re-election that did not receive Trump’s seal of approval.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) endorsed Toth last week.
“Steve is an unwavering fighter for school choice, fiscal responsibility, and the next generation of Americans,” Cruz wrote in an X post announcing his endorsement. “Washington needs bold leadership and representatives who will stand up for Texans at every turn.”
“Steve has the experience, the courage, and the conviction to do just that.”
Crenshaw, who is known for wearing a patch on his right eye, which he lost in an IED blast while deployed to Afghanistan, fumed that his “enemies” were gunning for him earlier Tuesday.
“You know, my enemies have all come out with their knives — Tucker Carlson or Ted Cruz — for no good reason,” Crenshaw, 41, told Fox News before polls closed.
Crenshaw had a significant financial advantage in the race.
The congressman outraised Toth, 65, by more than $1.3 million and also received more than $1 million in support from a pro-Crenshaw super PAC, according to the Texas Tribune.
The district is rated solid red, according to the Cook Political Report, meaning Toth is likely to have the edge in the general election contest, where he will face Democrat Shaun Finnie.
