Rising GOP star backs Dan Crenshaw in Houston race

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas (AP Photo/Danny Johnston, File) U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas (AP Photo/Danny Johnston, File) Photo: Danny Johnston, STF Photo: Danny Johnston, STF Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Rising GOP star backs Dan Crenshaw in Houston race 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

One of the biggest rising stars in conservative politics is getting into a key political battle in Houston.

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton announced he is officially endorsing Houston Republican Dan Crenshaw in the Republican primary to replace U.S. Rep. Ted Poe in Congress.

"Dan's a true-grit warrior and that's exactly what we need in Congress right now," said Cotton, an Arkansas Senator who has become a prominent ally of President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill.

Crenshaw finished in the top two in the March 6 GOP primary for the 2nd Congressional District and will now face State Rep. Kevin Roberts in a run-off election on May 22.

PRIMARY RESULTS: Roberts, Crenshaw head to runoff in GOP race

Crenshaw's history as a Navy SEAL veteran was a big selling point for Cotton, according to Cotton's statement. Cotton, a U.S. Army veteran himself, noted that the number of veterans in Congress has declined over the years and Crenshaw would be an important addition.

"This decorated Navy SEAL will be a heavy hitter for years to come, and a star on the GOP bench," Cotton said.

Crenshaw being in the run-off is a bit of a surprise. The 33-year-old Crenshaw stagged a furious comeback on Election Day to over come more than $6 million spent by Republican Kathaleen Wall.

BIG COMEBACK: Navy SEAL’s comeback forced unexpected runoff for Congress

Cotton, 40, has risen fast in politics. He was first elected to the U.S. House in 2012 and just two years later won a seat in the U.S. Senate. He serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee and had been reported to be in the running to be Trump's CIA director after Mike Pompeo was tapped to lead the Department of State after Rex Tillerson was fired.