Former Navajo Nation president challenges Arizona Republican who ousted McCarthy

Former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez is challenging Republican Rep. Eli Crane for his seat in Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District.

Nez, in his announcement on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, touted his humble upbringing and how it helps him understand the struggles of Arizonians living in his district. 

“I grew up in a rural low-income home without electricity or running water,” Nez said. “I understand the struggles the second-district families are facing right now. From the rising costs of food, gas, and childcare, to increasingly devastating wildfires, and healthcare deserts. And, above all, a sense that their elected representatives don’t care about them — that DC politicians have left them behind.” 

Nez, who served as a Navajo County supervisor and in various other tribal government roles, decided to throw his hat in the race because of the “craziness” happening in Washington, D.C., particularly in the “MAGA” corner of the Republican party, he said.

“The last straw is what is happening now in Congress,” Nez told The Arizona Republic, which first reported the news. “We have got a war against Hamas in Israel. We have a war in Ukraine right now. But the House of Representatives can’t do anything unless there is a Speaker.”

Notably, Crane was one of the eight Republicans who joined the Democrats in ousting Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as Speaker. 

The Navajo Nation was included in the 1st Congressional District, which was represented by former Rep. Tom O’Halleran (D-Ariz.), but after redistricting, the tribe’s land base was added to the 2nd District. 

O’Halleran, a three-term representative, lost to Crane last year. 

Nez recently lost to Buu Nygren in 2022 in his bid to remain Navajo Nation president.