State Rep. Steve Toth is taking on U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw in the Republican primary, igniting a significant clash between hard-right and mainstream conservatives in Texas’ 2nd Congressional District.
State Rep. Steve Toth (R-Conroe) kicked off his primary challenge against U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-02) on Tuesday night, attracting several hundred supporters to a church in The Woodlands. The dynamic launch of the campaign, led by conservative figure Chad Prather, underscored the significant ideological rifts present within the Texas GOP.
“America and Texas require allies in Congress who will stand against Democrats and refuse to compromise,” Toth stated. “This is my identity, my accomplishments, and the reason for my candidacy.”
During the evening, various speakers, including state Rep. Nate Schatzline (R-Fort Worth) and radio host Kenny Webster, took aim at Crenshaw’s positions on border security, foreign aid, and gun rights, portraying him as disconnected from the core values of grassroots conservatives.
Toth, who has been serving parts of Montgomery County since 2019, highlighted his legislative achievements, particularly the enactment of laws prohibiting the teaching of critical race theory in educational settings and restricting gender modification for minors. He also emphasized his backing of Trump’s policies, highlighting the former president’s proposal to abolish the Department of Education, which he labeled as “woke and broke.”
Toth criticized Crenshaw for supporting a 2024 Senate immigration proposal—which Trump opposed—that would have permitted temporary daily crossings at a high level before initiating a border closure. Crenshaw strongly criticized early GOP opponents of the bill, labeling their dissent as “the height of stupidity.” The proposal ultimately did not succeed.
“As I worked to secure funding for Trump’s border wall, Dan Crenshaw chose to align with Democrats, focusing on foreign conflicts instead,” Toth remarked, pointing to Crenshaw’s backing of aid to Ukraine. He emphasized the recent legislation he enacted to prevent foreign adversaries from acquiring land in Texas.
Crenshaw, securing his reelection in 2024 amidst conservative pushback, has found himself at odds with right-wing colleagues in Congress and media personalities such as Tucker Carlson, with whom he had a notable confrontation during a “hot mic” incident. He has stood by his achievements, highlighting local successes such as funding for flood mitigation and initiatives aimed at supporting veterans' mental health.
Toth’s campaign has brought renewed attention to his residency—he resides just outside District 2, in the adjacent TX-08. Crenshaw has capitalized on this situation, while Toth contends that his adjacent state House district provides him with strong connections to the community.
The event in The Woodlands attracted notable conservative personalities, such as former U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay and Rep. Matt Morgan (R-Richmond), although neither took the stage to speak. Toth has a history in politics; he previously ran for Congress in 2016 and served one term in the Texas House starting in 2012 before making a return in 2019.
The rally was initially scheduled for July 8 but was delayed due to the severe flooding that affected Texas. Toth concluded his comments by recognizing the volunteers who are helping with relief efforts: “That’s the heart of Texas.”
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