State Rep. Steve Toth is challenging U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw in the Republican primary, sparking a high-profile battle between hard-right and mainstream conservatives in Texas’s 2nd Congressional District.
Texas State Rep. Steve Toth revealed on Tuesday that he will run against U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw in the Republican primary, paving the way for one of the state's most eagerly awaited intra-party battles of the 2024 election cycle.
Toth, a Republican from Conroe and a member of the Texas Legislature’s far-right faction, openly challenges GOP leadership and has joined forces with the most conservative elements of his party.
Currently serving his fifth term in the Texas House, Toth has established himself as a figure who frequently challenges Governor Greg Abbott and other prominent Republicans. He has voted against the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton and has engaged in some of the legislature’s most heated social issues.
Toth positioned his campaign as a clear alternative to Crenshaw, the congressman representing the Houston area who has occupied the 2nd Congressional District seat since 2019. “The constituents of District 2 are entitled to a genuine conservative who will stand firm against the extreme left,” Toth remarked, referencing Crenshaw’s backing of Ukraine and his critiques of far-right congressional members.
Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL, has upheld a steady conservative voting record while adopting a more practical stance compared to some of his right-wing detractors. He has publicly confronted members of the House Freedom Caucus and conservative media personalities such as Tucker Carlson, alleging that they engage in performative politics. Crenshaw has expressed strong disapproval of the 2020 election denial movement and the individuals responsible for removing Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
After Toth's campaign announcement, Crenshaw defended his legislative accomplishments and asserted that Toth was not in touch with the district's needs. “I don’t have much to say about Steve Toth—because there’s not much to say,” Crenshaw remarked, highlighting that Toth’s residence is located outside District 2.
Toth recognized that he resides in the adjacent District 8, yet he highlighted that his Texas House district significantly coincides with Crenshaw’s. “I have dedicated nearly ten years to serving this community,” he stated.
This represents Toth's second attempt to contest a current member of Congress. In 2016, he faced off against Rep. Kevin Brady, securing 37% in a competitive primary despite being considerably outspent.
In recent cycles, Crenshaw has faced no significant challengers, allowing him to secure renomination with ease. However, Toth's growing name recognition and solid backing from the party's right may lead to a more competitive race this time around.
