Republican Representative Dan Crenshaw, a four-term congressman from Texas's 2nd Congressional District, lost his Republican primary election on March 3, 2026, to state Representative Steve Toth. Toth secured a decisive victory with approximately 56% of the vote to Crenshaw's 41%, according to projections from multiple outlets including the Associated Press, as over 95% of ballots were tallied. This outcome makes Crenshaw the first 2026 Republican House incumbent to fall in a primary challenge. The district, centered in suburban Houston and redrawn by Texas Republicans, remains solidly conservative, positioning Toth as the heavy favorite against Democrat Shaun Finnie in November. Toth, an ordained pastor and one of the most conservative members of the Texas House, campaigned aggressively on portraying Crenshaw as insufficiently aligned with former President Donald Trump's MAGA agenda. He criticized Crenshaw's support for Ukraine aid, his rejection of 2020 election fraud claims, and perceived softness on immigration and foreign policy. Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL who lost an eye in Afghanistan, rose as a national security hawk and cable news fixture after his 2018 election but drew ire from the populist right for bipartisan votes and clashes with figures like Tucker Carlson. Notably, President Trump withheld endorsement from Crenshaw—the only Texas GOP House incumbent seeking reelection without it—while Senator Ted Cruz backed Toth late in the race. Despite outspending Toth by over $1.3 million plus super PAC support, Crenshaw could not overcome grassroots discontent in a low-turnout primary that tested GOP purity. This upset reflects broader party shifts toward stricter Trump loyalty amid redistricting and midterm dynamics. Toth will likely succeed Crenshaw in Congress, advancing a more combative conservative voice.

In a recent podcast, former Grace Community Church member Tyler Bates claims that leaders were aware that he'd been abused but did nothing to protect him.