Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Crenshaw Says Misinformation Cost Him Texas Primary, Points to Low Turnout and Outside Ads

The four-term incumbent lost by about 15 points to state Rep. Steve Toth in a safely Republican district.

Overview

  • On CBS’s Face the Nation, Dan Crenshaw said his March 3 defeat was largely driven by online smears and conspiracy claims.
  • He rejected insider-trading accusations, saying he has not traded in three years and earned under $46,000 from investments over seven years in office.
  • Crenshaw said only about 20% of Republican voters participated in the primary, which he argued amplified viral falsehoods.
  • He claimed Democrats spent nearly $1 million on television ads that reinforced the allegations against him.
  • Polling and betting markets had favored Crenshaw before the vote; he lacked a Trump endorsement as Toth won Sen. Ted Cruz’s backing and is now favored in November.