Election 2026: Jonathan Nez Challenges Eli Crane

Former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez has confirmed his plans to seek Arizona's 2nd Congressional District seat again in 2026, following his unsuccessful campaign against current Republican Representative Eli Crane in the November 2024 election.

"My name is Jonathan Nez. I'm the former President of the Navajo Nation. Today, I am running for Congress to defeat MAGA Republican Eli Crane, flip Arizona's 2nd blue, and take back the house. Let's win this," Nez took to X Tuesday morning.

With the announcement, another election between Nez and Eli Crane, who won his second term in the House with 54.5% of the vote, compared to Nez's 45.5% last fall, has been declared. Crane had won the competitive district by a landslide majority of 221,413 votes against Nez's 184,963.

Nez, who was born into the Ta'neeszahnii (Tangle) tribe and is a member of the Áshįįhí (Salt People) clan, started his political career at the age of 29 when he was elected Vice President of the Shonto Chapter. Prior to his election as Navajo Nation Vice President in 2015, he served on the County Board of Supervisors and the Navajo Nation Council.

The candidate has mentioned that his experience overcoming substance addiction issues as a young man has influenced his viewpoint on the ongoing opioid crisis in rural Arizona. This upbringing has influenced his support for more federal funding to fight addiction in rural and indigenous communities.

Nez highlighted a number of important policy goals during his 2024 campaign, which are anticipated to continue to be at the foundation of his 2026 campaign:

Immigration Reform: His plan asks for a comprehensive immigration reform that includes increased labor for border agents and case workers, modern border security technology, and citizenship options for eligible people.

Economic Relief: Nez supports policies to fight inflation and lower costs for necessities like housing, healthcare, and groceries in order to address the cost-of-living pressures that rural Arizona families face.

Environmental Challenges: Water security and environmental sustainability have been highlighted by Nez as crucial concerns because of Arizona's exposure to climatic impacts like drought and wildfires.

Rural Infrastructure: The candidate has brought attention to the need for federal funding for community facilities, flood control systems, and road upgrades in rural Arizona

“I have fought for rural Arizona my entire life,” Nez expressed. ”It is long past time we had someone fight for us in Washington.”

If Nez had won in 2024, he would have become the first Native American to serve as a representative in Arizona's legislature. If he succeeds in 2026, this milestone is still possible.