GOP Rep. Eli Crane Crushes Challenger Jack Smith in Landslide Reelection Victory

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Eli Crane has decisively triumphed over challenger Jack Smith in the Republican primary for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District, according to unofficial election results.

With nearly 65,000 votes tallied, Crane holds a commanding lead with 78% of the vote compared to Smith’s 21%, translating to a gap of over 37,000 votes. Crane will face Democratic candidate Jonathan Nez, who ran unopposed, in the November general election.

“Thank you to every voter across Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District who entrusted me to carry your voices and concerns to Washington and actually fight,” Crane said via a statement on the social media platform X.

With less than 100 days until the November election, Crane urged voters to stay focused on sending “America First warriors” to Washington, including the reelection of former President Donald Trump.

Crane is among several Republicans in Arizona who have received endorsements from Trump. “The road to the presidency cuts directly through Arizona, and I’m committed to helping lead the charge on delivering a decisive victory for President Trump in our state,” Crane stated.

Crane was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022 after unseating three-term incumbent Democrat Tom O’Halleran, flipping Arizona’s largest congressional district to red.

In a Facebook video statement, Democratic nominee Nez criticized Crane, stating, “Second District families are struggling, and extremists like Eli Crane are actively putting Washington elites ahead of everyday Arizonans.” Nez contended, “We cannot afford to have an extremist representative willing to ban women’s health care, support big corporations, and tear down our democracy representing us any longer.”

The 2nd Congressional District spans a large portion of northern and eastern Arizona, covering Apache, Coconino, Gila, Navajo, and Yavapai counties, along with parts of Graham, Maricopa, Mohave, and Pinal counties. The district is home to more than 794,000 people, with over 628,000 of voting age, as per the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission.

The district’s voting history splits 53% in favor of Republicans and 46% toward Democrats. Redistricting in 2022 has tilted the district seven points more Republican, a key concern for some constituents.

The area includes 14 tribes in northern, eastern, and central Arizona, accounting for about 20% of the district’s population. Native voting advocates have expressed concerns throughout the redistricting process, insisting that the new map does not represent voter preferences accurately.