(DDM) – A simmering rivalry between Dan Crenshaw and Ted Cruz has erupted into public view, intensifying pressure on the Houston-area congressman as he battles for political survival in a heated Republican primary.
According to accounts detailed by CNN, the tension escalated during a recent encounter when both men prepared to board the same flight from Houston to Washington. Crenshaw reportedly accused Cruz of working behind the scenes to undermine his reelection campaign. Cruz responded bluntly, warning that if he were actively opposing Crenshaw, the congressman would know it.
This week, Cruz made his position unmistakable. The Texas senator endorsed Steve Toth, a state lawmaker and former megachurch pastor challenging Crenshaw in Tuesday’s Republican primary. Cruz also recorded an advertisement now airing in the Houston media market, funded by a pro-Toth super PAC.
The endorsement marks a significant development in a race already shaped by ideological tensions within the Republican Party. Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL who gained national recognition for his outspoken and combative style, has clashed repeatedly with factions aligned with the “Make America Great Again” movement. Critics within that wing argue that he has not demonstrated sufficient loyalty to Donald Trump.
Crenshaw’s strained relationship with parts of the MAGA base has fueled primary challenges in previous cycles. However, the involvement of Cruz, a powerful figure in Texas Republican politics, raises the stakes considerably. Endorsements from high-profile party leaders often shape donor networks, grassroots mobilization, and voter perception in closely contested primaries.
The contest also underscores broader divisions within the GOP. While Crenshaw has maintained conservative positions on fiscal and national security issues, he has occasionally criticized elements of Trump-aligned rhetoric and strategy. Toth, by contrast, has positioned himself firmly within the party’s populist wing.
Political analysts say Cruz’s endorsement could sway undecided voters who prioritize alignment with the MAGA movement. At the same time, the move risks deepening fractures within Texas Republican ranks, particularly if Crenshaw survives the primary and must reunite the party ahead of the general election.
Neither Crenshaw nor Cruz has publicly detailed the full scope of their disagreement beyond the reported exchange. However, the visible rift signals a turning point in a rivalry that may shape the future of Republican politics in one of the nation’s most influential conservative states.
As primary day approaches, Crenshaw faces not only a challenger in Toth but also opposition from within his own party’s upper ranks, a combination that could redefine his political trajectory.
