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Republican Eli Crane Secures Reelection in Arizona’s 2nd District

In a notable win, Republican Eli Crane has successfully captured reelection in a congressional district that leans strongly Republican, covering expansive areas of rural Arizona.

Crane faced a formidable opponent in Jonathan Nez, the Democratic candidate and former president of the Navajo Nation, who aimed to make history by being the first Native American to represent Arizona in Congress.

The district, which encompasses large portions of northeastern Arizona and stretches down to the outskirts of Tucson, is home to a significant Native American population, including 14 of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes.

Eli Crane, a former Navy SEAL with 13 years of military experience, is affiliated with the House Freedom Caucus, known for its far-right political stance, and has been a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump. Notably, he was one of eight House Republicans who voted to remove Rep. Kevin McCarthy from his position as House Speaker in 2023.

During his campaign, Crane concentrated on issues surrounding the U.S.-Mexico border and military veterans’ affairs, while Nez prioritized addressing water rights and meeting the needs of constituents in rural communities.

In the previous election cycle, Crane unseated three-term Democratic incumbent Tom O’Halleran after the district’s boundaries were redrawn to favor Republican candidates.

Jonathan Nez, who served as the Navajo Nation’s president from 2019 until 2023, previously held the positions of vice president of the tribe and a delegate on the Navajo Nation Council. He faced defeat in his bid for reelection as president in 2022. His political experience also includes serving as a supervisor in Navajo County.

Currently, Arizona’s congressional delegation consists of six Republicans and three Democrats, reflecting a continuing trend of Republican dominance in several districts.

Source
abcnews.go.com