Crane’s Move Signals Path to GOP Supermajority as Nez Responds

Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District candidates Jonathan Nez (D-Flagstaff) and Eli Crane (R-Oro Valley) are in a heated election battle. With more than 90% of precincts reporting, Rep. Crane appears likely to maintain his position, a development that could significantly aid Republican efforts to achieve a supermajority in Congress following Donald Trump’s presidential victory.

As of 12:30 p.m. today, Crane leads Nez by seven percentage points, with 20,874 votes tallied. In Pinal County alone, his margin expands to 12 points, indicating strong local support.

By 12:40 p.m., Republicans had secured 201 congressional seats, only 17 shy of the 218 needed for a majority, while Democrats claimed 184 seats. Despite the tight margins in certain areas, Crane could not be reached for comment. In contrast, Nez expressed anticipation for updated results, particularly from Pinal County, where less than a third of precincts have finished reporting.

Nez stated, “We’re still waiting for some votes to come in, especially in the counties that are more highly Democratic.” His concerns were heightened by polling issues in Apache County, where limited provisional ballots led to long wait times amid freezing temperatures, causing significant voter frustration.

Although Nez enjoys a sizable 35-point lead in Apache County, he worries about voter turnout. “We heard some people, especially the elderly, went home. In some cases, those who brought them could not wait that long,” he noted, indicating efforts were made to encourage voters to return later.

The Navajo Nation took action by filing a lawsuit in Apache County Superior Court, resulting in a two-hour extension for polling site operations to accommodate the frustrated voters.

In Maricopa, the race remained close. Crane maintained an average four-point lead citywide, with his strongest results coming from the Maricopa Fiesta precinct. Conversely, Nez found significant backing in Alterra and Senita precincts, where he led by double digits.

Outside urban areas, Crane outperformed Nez by 26% in Thunderbird Farms. Nez saw overwhelming support from Indigenous voters, with three-quarters of the Ak-Chin Indian Community and 83% of the Gila River Indian Community backing him. “I wasn’t surprised by the support,” Nez said, emphasizing the need for attention on rural Arizona and tribal community issues.

Despite the district’s Republican leanings, Nez articulated gratitude for the backing he received, reinforcing his commitment to improving quality of life and infrastructure for the state’s rural populations.