GOP Navy SEAL Vet Holds Arizona House Seat Amid Democratic Gains

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Republican Navy SEAL veteran Eli Crane has successfully retained his House seat in Arizona’s 2nd congressional district, despite Democrats flipping two other congressional districts in the state. The official results from Arizona’s general election show Crane, running for his third term, narrowly defeated Democrat Jonathan Nez with 49.6 percent of the vote to Nez’s 48.5 percent, with just under 4,000 votes separating the two.

Crane’s Victory Amid Democratic Gains

The Associated Press called the race for Crane on Monday, marking the third time he has won the seat. Crane first ran in 2022, defeating Democrat Tom O’Halleran by approximately 54 percent to 46 percent, according to Ballotpedia. In 2024, he beat Nez by 10 percentage points, 54.5 to 45.5 percent, making this year’s race a closer rematch.

JUST IN: AP projects Republican incumbent Eli Crane has won the U.S. House Arizona District 2 matchup defeating Democrat Jonathan Nez, and Libertarian Curtis Goodwin. More election results: https://t.co/frWNADY5t9 https://t.co/3WtutF45xt

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Crane responded to the race being called for him, posting on social media, “I’ll work with anyone to get things done for AZ-02. But I’ll also stand in the way of anyone trying to move this country in the wrong direction.”

#AZ02 💪 https://t.co/fTF8M5gDoh

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Crane’s victory came as two other congressional districts held by Republicans fell to their Democratic challengers. Democrat Amish Shah topped former Arizona Cardinals kicker Thomas “Jay” Feely in the 1st congressional district, currently represented by David Schweikert. The district, centered on Scottsdale and eastern Phoenix, has been considered a swing district in recent election cycles.

Democrats also flipped the 6th congressional district, with JoAnna Mendoza beating incumbent Juan Ciscomani. The 6th district, which makes up the southeast part of the state, including parts of Tucson, is another swing district.

Republican former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb also won his race to represent the 5th congressional district, a seat currently held by GOP Rep. Andy Biggs, who ran for Arizona governor this cycle but lost to Democrat incumbent Katie Hobbs.

Following last week’s elections, Republicans will represent four of Arizona’s nine congressional seats, down from six. Democrats swept the statewide offices, including governor, secretary of state, attorney general, and treasurer. They also flipped both the state House and the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a narrow majority. It is the first time the Democrats have had a trifecta in the Grand Canyon State since 1966, according to CBS affiliate KPHO-TV.