As early voting kicks off in Texas on Tuesday, Congressional District 2 is set to become a battleground in the upcoming primary elections. With every congressional seat in Texas on the ballot, incumbent Republican Dan Crenshaw is facing significant challenges from within his own party, including State Representative Steve Toth, who initially supported Crenshaw but has since shifted his stance.
Crenshaw, who has held his position since 2018, is seeking a fifth term in office. He emphasized the importance of results over online narratives during a recent interview, stating, “This re-election’s about getting things done. It’s about results, it’s not about trendy narratives online that aren’t even true.” The newly configured district spans Montgomery County and parts of Harris County, making it a strong Republican stronghold that lawmakers have designed to safeguard.
Highlighting his record, Crenshaw claims to have fulfilled numerous promises made during his initial campaign. As a retired Navy SEAL, he emphasizes priorities such as flood management, energy policy, and tackling the drug cartels permeating the border issue. “We need a strategic plan to go after the cartels,” he asserted, distinguishing himself as the only Congressional member actively researching and seeking solutions in Mexico.
Challenger Steve Toth, a small business owner and former pastor, is drawing attention to critical issues that resonate with voters, particularly flood prevention. Toth critiques Crenshaw’s substantial campaign spending, arguing that effective messaging and educating constituents about Crenshaw’s record can level the playing field. Toth’s opposition solidified after Crenshaw’s endorsement of a bipartisan Senate border bill early in 2024, which Toth believes conflicts with the advocacy expected from a Texas congressman.
Both candidates have focused on area-specific flooding concerns, with Toth noting the extensive impact on neighborhoods like Kingwood in North Harris County. “It’s not just Kingwood… North Harris County saw a tremendous amount of flooding as well,” he stressed, aligning his message closely with local issues.
In addition to Crenshaw and Toth, two other Republicans are vying for the nomination. Martin Etwop has raised just over $7,000, while Nicholas Plumb has garnered less than $800. The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Shaun Finnie, who is currently running unopposed.
With stakes high in this heated primary, the outcome will not only shape the future of Congressional District 2 but could also impact broader political dynamics in Texas. Voter engagement and clear communication of candidate priorities will be crucial in this closely watched election.