Image courtesy of NBC News. From ‘Why a lone House Republican is fighting a primary in Texas without Trump’s backing’ (February 20, 2026). Credit: Ben Kamisar. Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/lone-house-republican-fighting-primary-texas-trumps-backing-rcna259446. © Original owner. Used under fair use.
In the heart of the Lone Star State, a political battle is brewing as one lone Republican Congressman, Dan Crenshaw, prepares to face a primary challenge without President Donald Trump’s endorsement. While Trump has thrown his support behind every House Republican contender in the March 3 primaries, Crenshaw finds himself locked in a competitive race against Texas state Representative Steve Toth.
The contest is a testament to the growing importance of unwavering loyalty to President Trump within the GOP. From Arkansas to North Carolina and now Texas, standing by the president has become a critical issue in Republican primaries, alongside traditional concerns such as border security and gun rights.
Crenshaw, a decorated Navy SEAL veteran who made his political debut in 2018, broke onto the national scene by winning a hotly contested primary for an open, safely Republican seat. Along the way, he garnered key allies but also faced accusations of not being conservative enough – echoes of the criticisms he faces today.
“If you think I’m not MAGA enough, then you’re not following me on social media,” Crenshaw stated firmly. “I’m out there defending his policies pretty hard and have defended them in extremely hard places.” He added, “If you want somebody who doesn’t know how to do that to represent you, by all means, get rid of me.”
Crenshaw’s opponent, Toth, is making the most of this opportunity. The incumbent Congressman significantly outraises and outspends him on advertising, but the race remains competitive nonetheless. Toth argues that Crenshaw’s foreign policy and immigration stances are misaligned with the “Make America Great Again” faction within the party.
However, it’s not just foreign policy that’s causing a rift between Crenshaw and some in his base. In late 2020, Crenshaw signed onto a legal brief supporting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s challenge to Joe Biden’s victory in four key swing states. A month later, he voted to certify the election results, while the majority of House Republicans objected to the certification.
This ambivalence on loyalty to Trump has created a “crack” in Crenshaw’s relationship with the conservative base, according to Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston. “The foreign policy stuff definitely is the biggest crack, but the beginning of that crack was because Crenshaw didn’t significantly support Trump in the election fight,” he explained.
In this district, conversations with voters highlight the complex dynamics at play. Julie Jakubson, a resident of Magnolia, cast her vote for Crenshaw despite Trump not endorsing him. “I don’t want somebody just going along,” she said, appreciating Crenshaw’s unwavering stance on his values. Richard and Sharon Burgoon, however, voted for Toth due to their perception that Crenshaw did not fully support Trump in various situations and was “hot-headed.”
As primary day nears, it remains to be seen whether Crenshaw can weather this challenge without Trump’s backing. His campaign strategy of aligning himself with the president while maintaining a degree of independence could prove a fine line to walk. One thing is clear: this race signals that loyalty to President Trump will continue to shape Republican primaries in the coming months.
For everyday Americans, the outcome of this primary race has real-world implications. Jobs, healthcare, neighborhoods – all could be affected by the policy decisions made by Crenshaw or his challenger. Will Crenshaw’s perceived independence allow him to navigate political waters more effectively? Or will Toth’s unwavering loyalty to Trump resonate more with voters in this district?
As primary season unfolds, watch for upcoming votes, court dates, and announcements that may further shape the direction of politics in Texas and beyond. What do you think about Crenshaw facing a primary challenge without Trump’s endorsement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source:
NBC News