PHOENIX — Eli Crane, a Republican, has successfully secured reelection in a congressional district that leans Republican and encompasses extensive areas of rural Arizona.

In the 2nd District race, Crane encountered a vigorous challenge from Democrat Jonathan Nez, a former president of the Navajo Nation. Nez was aiming to make history as the first Native American to represent Arizona in Congress.

The 2nd District includes a significant portion of northeastern Arizona and stretches down to the northern suburbs of Tucson. It is home to 14 out of the 22 federally acknowledged tribes in Arizona.

Crane, a former Navy SEAL with a 13-year military career, is associated with the far-right House Freedom Caucus and is a dedicated supporter of Donald Trump. His political stance was highlighted when he joined a group of eight Republicans to vote for the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy as House speaker in 2023.

Throughout his campaign, Crane emphasized the importance of securing the U.S.-Mexico border and advocating for military veterans. In contrast, Nez concentrated on protecting water rights and addressing the needs of rural communities.

In 2022, Crane won his seat by defeating three-term Democratic Rep. Tom O’Halleran, largely benefiting from a redistricting that made the area significantly more conservative.

Jonathan Nez’s political background includes serving as the Navajo Nation president from 2019 to 2023 and previously as the vice president of the tribe. Nez was unsuccessful in his presidential reelection attempt in 2022 and has also held positions as a supervisor for Navajo County and a delegate on the Navajo Nation Council.

Out of Arizona’s nine congressional representatives, six are affiliated with the Republican Party, while three belong to the Democratic Party.