Jonathan Nez, the former president of the Navajo Nation and current Democratic nominee for Congress in Arizona’s 2nd District, criticized Congressman Eli Crane on March 25 for voting against bipartisan legislation aimed at lowering housing costs.
Nez said, “[Crane] is a millionaire who doesn’t even live within an hour of the district… It’s no wonder he votes the way he does. He doesn’t understand us,” according to the Copper Courier. Nez emphasized his own background growing up in a rural community without running water or electricity and contrasted it with Crane’s situation.
The Copper Courier reported that Crane was one of just nine members of Congress to vote against sweeping, bipartisan legislation to lower housing costs in February. In March, Crane voted against a Republican-led bill intended to simplify property mortgage approvals on tribal lands. Both bills were designed to make housing more affordable and accessible, including for tribal communities that represent a significant portion of his constituency.
Nez also pointed out that Crane has not held town halls with constituents in northern Arizona and highlighted other votes by Crane, including support for legislation that cut Medicaid funding and opposition to extending Affordable Care Act tax credits. These actions have raised concerns about increased health insurance premiums and risks to rural hospitals.
Nez said he wants to change what he described as a representation gap in the district. He said his priorities are lowering costs for everyday necessities and increasing financial security for constituents. More information about Nez’s campaign can be found on the official roster page.
