3 Key Insights from Maricopa’s Electrifying Campaign Stop

With just 21 days remaining until the general election, candidates in Arizona are intensifying their campaigns. InMaricopa spoke with three contenders at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino, including Rep. Teresa Martinez (R-Casa Grande), newcomer Chris Lopez (R-Casa Grande), and U.S. Congress hopeful Jonathan Nez (D-Ariz.).

Chris Lopez, a political novice and business owner, shared his experiences in the campaign arena. He remarked on the challenging landscape marked by aggressive attack ads. “I’ve had to reach out to [Martinez] for support during tough moments,” he stated. The barrage of negative advertising not only affects him but also his children, he added, describing the onslaught of misinformation as “constant.” Although he did not name any specific opponents responsible for the ads, he faced Republican challengers Rob Hudelson and Gabby Mercer during the primaries.

In defense of Lopez, Rep. Teresa Martinez highlighted the prevalence of misinformation in politics. “Politics can be very ugly. People just don’t know what to believe,” she noted, alluding to a recent endorsement of State Route 347 by her opponent, incumbent Rep. Keith Seaman (D-Casa Grande). Martinez contended that Seaman’s voting record contradicts his public statements, suggesting that the political climate is putting increasing pressure on him.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Nez, the former president of the Navajo Nation, has been actively campaigning against incumbent U.S. Rep. Eli Crane (R-Oro Valley) for a seat in Arizona’s 2nd congressional district. Nez has been traveling extensively across the vast district, which spans over 58,000 square miles and includes numerous communities and reservations. In contrast, Crane has established a considerable presence in Maricopa, using his local offices to connect with voters.

Despite Crane claiming to be fiscally responsible, Nez’s campaign manager, James Gravitt, mentioned that they are currently outspending Crane four to one on advertising. “Many people don’t know who Eli Crane is,” Gravitt explained, emphasizing the importance of paid outreach. Nez’s platform focuses on securing infrastructure funding for rural areas, including improvements to State Route 347, criticizing Crane for insufficient support during his tenure.