Rep. Eli Crane Surges Ahead with 27,000+ Vote Lead in Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District Race

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — In the race for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Eli Crane maintains a lead over former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. This district, which includes Flagstaff and extensive sections of the Navajo Nation, is characterized by its diverse demographic.

About 25% of the district’s population is Native American, a significant voting bloc that gained influence during the 2020 presidential election. Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District encompasses a large area in northern and eastern Arizona, incorporating 14 of the state’s 22 federally recognized tribes.

Rep. Eli Crane, a Republican and former U.S. Navy veteran, first won the seat in 2022 by defeating incumbent Tom O’Halleran. Crane positions himself as an “America First” candidate, advocating for traditional conservative values, including pro-life policies and Second Amendment rights. He has aligned himself with the House Freedom Caucus.

His tenure has not been without controversy. In 2023, he faced backlash after using the term “colored people” on the House floor, a comment he attributed to a misstep. Additionally, he was among a select group of Republicans who voted to remove then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his position.

On his campaign site, Crane emphasizes a focus on enhanced border security and opposing Critical Race Theory in Arizona’s education system.

In contrast, Jonathan Nez, who previously served as both vice president and president of the Navajo Nation, aims to bring a different perspective to the race. Following a loss in his re-election bid in 2023, Nez declared his candidacy for CD2.

Expressing disappointment over political divisiveness and dysfunction, Nez believes that voters prioritize actionable change over party affiliation. His leadership during the Navajo Nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been a notable aspect of his record.

If elected, Nez would become the first Indigenous representative from Arizona in the U.S. House.