MAGA conservatives celebrate as Rep. Dan Crenshaw, branded a disloyal RINO, suffers stunning primary defeat in deep-red Texas districtβproof grassroots power trumps big money.
Story Highlights
- Steve Toth defeats four-term incumbent Dan Crenshaw with 57.6% to 39.2% in Texas’ 2nd District GOP primary on March 4, 2026.
- MAGA labels Crenshaw RINO for backing Ukraine aid, certifying 2020 election, and opposing Trump on key issues like border security.
- Toth overcomes Crenshaw’s $2.1M fundraising edge through endorsements from Ted Cruz, Turning Point Action, and House Freedom Caucus.
- Victory signals MAGA purge of establishment Republicans, advancing Trump-aligned hardliners in safe districts.
- Toth poised to win general election against Democrat Shaun Finnie in R+ Houston suburbs.
Primary Results Confirm Toth’s Decisive Win
CBS News projected Steve Toth as winner on March 4, 2026 evening, with early results at 63% counted showing Toth at 57.6% and Crenshaw at 39.2%. Texas’ 2nd Congressional District, spanning Harris and Montgomery Counties north of Houston, remains heavily Republican.
The GOP primary victor advances virtually unopposed in November against Democrat Shaun Finnie. This upset ousts Crenshaw, the only Texas House GOP incumbent without President Trump’s endorsement.
RINO Dan Crenshaw has been #Primaried in Texas!!
Bye-bye, RINO!!https://t.co/xf6jQ9fkoH— EinsteinSurfer πββοΈπ (@EinsteinSurfer) March 4, 2026
Crenshaw’s Policy Clashes Fuel RINO Label
Dan Crenshaw, former Navy SEAL elected in 2018, alienated MAGA base by supporting Ukraine aid during Russia’s invasion, certifying the 2020 election, criticizing January 6 responses, and backing bipartisan border and aviation bills opposed by Trump allies.
Steve Toth, state representative, small business owner, and former megachurch pastor, campaigned on Crenshaw’s insufficient loyalty to President Trump’s agenda. Toth faced 2024 censure for targeting liberal Republicans, embracing hardline conservative tactics.
Endorsements and Funding Dynamics Shift Race
Ted Cruz endorsed Toth one week before the primary after Crenshaw opposed Cruz’s aviation safety bill. Turning Point Action and House Freedom Caucus backed Toth, amplifying grassroots momentum. Crenshaw raised $2.1 million and spent $2 million from January 2025 to February 2026, dwarfing Toth’s $600,000 raised and $320,000 spent.
Late 2024, Toth withdrew support for Crenshaw over a bipartisan border bill Trump rejected. A weekend Austin shooting by a Senegalese-born citizen heightened immigration rhetoric from both.
Adios, Eyepatch McCain!!! https://t.co/6vsM4q5B74
— Critical Meme Theory β¬οΈπ¨ Ω (@SP_Holman) March 4, 2026
MAGA Celebrations and Broader Implications
Club for Growth President David McIntosh posted “good riddance!” on X as results emerged. Conservatives mocked Crenshaw online with “Bye Bye, RINO,” echoing purges like Liz Cheney’s. Toth stated post-shooting, “America’s primary role is keeping Americans safe… not mass immigration.”
Crenshaw blamed “trendy” attacks lacking policy substance, tying the shooting to open borders. This win boosts MAGA momentum, tilting House GOP rightward, chilling Ukraine aid support, and setting 2026 midterm precedents against moderates. Texas GOP fractures deepen as loyalty to Trump proves decisive over funds.
Sources:
CBS News: Texas primary midterm 2026 second congressional district results Dan Crenshaw Steve Toth
National Today: Texas Rep. Steve Toth defeats GOP Rep. Dan Crenshaw in primary upset
Notus: Texas Republican primary Dan Crenshaw result
Texas Scorecard: Steve Toth defeats Dan Crenshaw
Fox26 Houston: U.S. Representative Texas 2nd Congressional District primary election results
