Representative Dan Crenshaw, a U.S. Congressman from Texas, posted a series of tweets on August 29, 2025, discussing the influence of philosopher John Locke on America’s Founding Fathers and foundational documents.
In his first tweet, Crenshaw wrote, “The Founders read Locke closely. Jefferson’s Declaration, Madison’s defense of checks and balances, Hamilton’s distrust of concentrated power — all echo Locke’s vision.” He continued by emphasizing Locke’s impact on American political philosophy: “So when you read the Declaration or the Constitution, remember Locke’s fingerprints are all over it. Our Founders built America on his conviction that liberty is God-given, and government exists to protect it.” In a third post from the same day, Crenshaw stated, “Locke also rejected the idea that rulers govern by divine right. He argued rulers govern only by the consent of the governed. That principle, revolutionary for its day, sits at the core of our republic.”
John Locke was an English philosopher whose ideas about natural rights and government by consent influenced key figures in early American history such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. These concepts became central to documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Crenshaw has represented Texas in Congress since 2018 and has won several general elections with significant margins. In 2024 he defeated Peter Filler with 65.7% of the vote; in 2022 he won against Robin Fulford with 65.9%; in 2020 he prevailed over Sima Ladjevardian with 55.6%; and in 2018 he defeated Todd Litton with 52.8%.
