By Matthew Holloway |
Republican Rep. Eli Crane has won reelection in Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District, defeating Democratic challenger Jonathan Nez in a rematch that remained uncalled for nearly a week after Election Day.
The Associated Press called the race Monday morning, with Crane holding approximately 49.7% of the vote to Nez’s 48.5%. Crane, a former Navy SEAL who has represented the district since January 2023, secured a third term.
The call resolves Arizona’s final outstanding congressional contest and leaves Democrats with five of the state’s nine U.S. House seats for the next Congress. Republicans entered the election holding six seats.
“I’m going to keep fighting against the status quo in Congress,” Crane said. “Both parties have been driving this country into the ground for decades, and the American people are sick of it.”
He thanked voters for supporting him and acknowledged Nez’s decision to run again.
“We have a lot of work to do,” he continued, “and I’ll work with anyone to get things done for AZ-02. But I’ll also stand in the way of anyone trying to move this country in the wrong direction. Let’s get back to work.”
Nez had not conceded as of this report.
The candidates previously faced each other in 2024, when Crane defeated the former Navajo Nation president by approximately nine percentage points. This year, the lead changed hands during ballot counting before Crane established the advantage that preceded Monday’s race call.
The district covers much of rural northern and eastern Arizona, including Flagstaff, Prescott, and the Navajo Nation, and extends into northern Pinal County.
Outside organizations increased their spending on the contest during the closing weeks. An analysis of Federal Election Commission filings found that groups supporting Crane outspent those supporting Nez by more than two to one after the July primary, with most of the spending occurring in October.
KTAR identified No Going Back PAC as the largest outside spender, directing approximately $3.4 million toward supporting Crane and opposing Nez. House Majority PAC spent nearly $1 million against Crane.
Crane launched his first general election advertisement in July, emphasizing his military service and work on behalf of rural Arizona. His campaign said at the time that it planned a seven-figure paid media investment.
Crane’s victory follows Republican wins in two other competitive Arizona congressional contests. Rep. Abe Hamadeh defeated Bernadette Greene-Placentia in the 8th District, while former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb defeated Elizabeth Lee for the open 5th District seat.
Democrats gained the 1st District, where Amish Shah defeated Jay Feely, and the 6th District, where JoAnna Mendoza defeated Republican incumbent Rep. Juan Ciscomani.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
