By Donovan QuinteroSpecial 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.
Navajo Times | Krista AllenDemocratic candidate Jonathan Nez, the former Navajo Nation president, who’s running for Congressional District 2 in Arizona, speaks to Shonto voters in Shonto Canyon, Ariz., during a rally in this November 2022 file photo.
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 incl …
