GOP’s Eli Crane Triumphs Over Jack Smith in Landslide Reelection Victory

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Eli Crane has decisively defeated 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 leads Smith 78% to 21%, establishing a substantial lead of more than 37,000 votes. The primary winner will confront Democratic candidate Jonathan Nez, who ran unopposed, in the upcoming November election.

Crane secured his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022 by defeating three-term incumbent Democrat Tom O’Halleran, flipping Arizona’s largest congressional district to Republican control.

The 2nd Congressional District spans much of northern and eastern Arizona. It encompasses Apache, Coconino, Gila, Navajo, and Yavapai counties, along with parts of Graham, Maricopa, Mohave, and Pinal counties.

According to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, the district has a population exceeding 794,000, with over 628,000 residents of voting age. Historically, voters have leaned 53% Republican and 46% Democrat in this district.

The district map was redrawn in 2022, accentuating a seven-point Republican advantage. This redrawing has sparked concerns among voting advocates.

The district is home to 14 tribes spanning northern, eastern, and central Arizona, with tribal members constituting around 20% of the population. Native voting advocates have expressed concerns during the redistricting process, arguing that the new map does not reflect the voters’ preferences.