Former president wins primary uncontested, ready to take on Republican incumbent

By Donovan Quintero
Special to the Times

KAYENTA — Jonathan Nez, a prominent figure in Arizona politics, has secured the Democratic nomination for Arizona’s second congressional district, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the upcoming general election on Nov. 5.

Nez’s victory in the primary has made history, as he becomes the first Indigenous political candidate in Arizona to clinch a major party nomination for a congressional seat.

The stage is now set for an electoral battle as Nez prepares to challenge first-term incumbent Representative Eli Crane for the congressional seat. Nez’s candidacy represents a significant milestone in Arizona’s political landscape, reflecting the growing diversity and representation of Indigenous voices in the state’s political arena.

Throughout his campaign, Nez said he has emphasized his commitment to addressing key issues facing Arizona’s second congressional district, including healthcare access, economic development, and environmental conservation. With a focus on promoting inclusive policies and advocating for the interests of all constituents, Nez has garnered support from a wide range of voters across the district.

He said his opponent, incumbent Eli Crane, doesn’t live in the district which he represents.

“He (Rep. Eli Crane) doesn’t even live in the district. He lives in Oro Valley, just north of Tucson. And he doesn’t really understand our district because he was handpicked by Trump two years ago to run for office,” said Nez on Tuesday evening. “And, he takes advantage of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) ideology, or to Trumpism for his campaign, but I think the past two elections we’ve seen the Arizona voters say ‘no’ to MAGA.”

Sarah Tunney from Inscription House, Arizona, said when Nez was president, he did a good job running the “little country within the state of Arizona.”

“He really sees the need of the people that are so remote out here. So, when he represents us in the House of Representatives, I think there’ll be more of a voice for Natives,” said Tunney on Tuesday evening.

Following his victory in the Democratic primary, Nez expressed gratitude to his supporters and highlighted the historic nature of his candidacy. His campaign has resonated with many voters who see his candidacy as a symbol of progress and inclusivity in Arizona politics.

Earl L. Sombrero from Inscription House, Arizona, said the challenger would have more compassion and understanding if he is elected in November.

“He has the experience. He knows us and where we come from as rural people of Arizona,” Sombrero said of Nez.

Sombrero affirmed the Republican incumbent did not have the experience to understand rural issues impacting Arizona citizens.

“Eli (Crane) is pretty much more metropolitan, has more ideas and understandings of those types of areas,” said Sombrero. “But for Congress, Mr. Nez, he has the experience in understanding of who we are, who we are as rural citizens of the state of Arizona.”

Nez’s platform, which centers on promoting social justice, expanding access to healthcare, and supporting economic growth, has struck a chord with constituents seeking a fresh perspective and bold leadership in Washington.

“I’ve been traveling throughout the district – immigration, you will hear it as a priority nationally, but when I’m talking to folks in this district, they just want the prices to be affordable for food, gas, they’re thinking about their children, they want to have affordable childcare, so that they can live in their rural or in their tribal communities,” Nez said. “They want to make sure they have affordable health care. They want to make sure that there’s infrastructure, water, electricity, broadband, better roads, that’s what I’ve been hearing. And yet my opponent over there is making immigration, the most highest of the priority, but yet, there are still some needs and immigration.”

Nez added as being Diné and being one of the first people to be from this country, he said he was offended when asked what he thinks about immigration.

“But as the first person, the first people of this country, you know, when you ask a Native American what they think about immigration, you know, I think that’s very disrespectful,” he said.

As Nez gears up for the general election, he faces a formidable opponent in Rep. Crane, the incumbent Republican representative. Crane, who is seeking re-election for a second term, has touted his record on issues such as national security, job creation, and veterans affairs as he campaigns for another term in office.

According to the Arizona House primary results, Nez, as of Wednesday late afternoon, received 49,825 votes, with nine percent still not yet counted. Crane, who defeated Jack Smith in a decisive victory, received 69,914 votes, and Smith with 17,730 votes, with 99% of the votes being counted.

Nez wanted to make a note that when he lost to Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, he received more votes on Tuesday than when he did in 2022 during the Navajo Nation Presidential general election.

“Showing up in tonight in our election, I was just trying to get data of how many people voted for me during the Navajo Nation presidency. The general election, when we went against Buu Nygren, I am getting more people voting for me in the primary election than I ever got in the general election for the Navajo Nation,” said Nez. “So, I think I know people want us to come back and be the president. Again, here’s an opportunity to get a Native American in Washington, D.C., so that we can help at a larger scale at a bigger scale than the president of the Navajo Nation and I think people see that too as well.”

Nez has also made history as being the first Indigenous person in Arizona to make it to the general election in a national race.

“We already have made history tonight. I am the first Native American to go to the general election in the state of Arizona. And we’re breaking that glass ceiling for our children, our grandchildren. And I would like to see a Native American senator in the future,” said Nez. “It might not be me, but we’re breaking those glass ceilings, and there’s so much support for us in doing that, from non-Native Americans that are supporting. You see the numbers.”

Nez said he’s agreed to have a debate on Aug. 8 in Phoenix, but he feels certain his opponent will be a no-show.

“He’s so green, he doesn’t want to go,” said Nez on Crane debating him.

The general election is set for Nov. 5.

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