In a surprising turn of events, Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), a member of the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019, was defeated in his primary election on Tuesday for Texas’s 2nd Congressional District.
Crenshaw, a decorated former Navy SEAL now in his fourth term, lost to Steve Toth, a businessman and state representative. Toth managed to secure a significant lead in the race.
As approximately 75% of the votes were tallied, Toth held a commanding 58% compared to Crenshaw’s 40%. The Associated Press declared Toth the winner at 1 a.m. EST.
Notably, former President Trump did not endorse any candidate in this race. Crenshaw stood out as the only Texas House Republican seeking re-election without Trump’s backing.
Meanwhile, Texas Senator Ted Cruz showed his support for Toth, endorsing him just last week.
In a statement shared on X, Cruz praised Toth as a steadfast advocate for school choice and fiscal responsibility, stating, “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.
