Arizona Republican holds House seat, surviving re-election scare

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Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., narrowly won re-election to a second term, defeating Democratic challenger Jonathan Nez in a tight rematch, The Associated Press projected Monday.

Crane, a former Navy SEAL combat veteran, previously defeated Nez, a former president of the Navajo Nation, in the 2024 general election.

Crane and Nez were separated by 3,834 votes at the time of the AP race call. The Fox News Power Rankings had rated the seat Likely R in the lead-up to Election Day.

Nez has not yet conceded the race. His most recent social media post, from Nov. 5, said that counting every ballot "takes time" in the large district.

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In a post on X, Crane thanked rural Arizonans and his staff while praising Nez for stepping into the arena again.

Representative Eli Crane, a Republican from Arizona, narrowly defeated his Democratic challenger in a tight race. (Allison Robbert/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

"I'm going to keep fighting against the status quo in Congress," Crane wrote. "Both parties have been driving this country into the ground for decades, and the American people are sick of it."

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Crane was backed by President Donald Trump, who endorsed the GOP lawmaker as an "America First Patriot."

Arizona 2nd Congressional District Democratic candidate Jonathan Nez speaks at Sneaky Big studios in Scottsdale on Sept. 9, 2026. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

At the same time, Trump targeted Nez, labeling him a "Radical Left Democrat" who opposes eliminating taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security.

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"He wants massive Tax Increases, Open Borders, Men playing in Women’s Sports, and Transgender Mutilation of your Children. Jonathan Nez is Reckless, Radical, and Dangerous!" Trump wrote.

Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., seen leaving the U.S. Capitol. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

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Crane noted that he will stand in the way of anyone "trying to move this country in the wrong direction."