Outside groups pour millions into Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District in final weeks

Outside groups have spent $7.6 million on the race between Republican Rep. Eli Crane and Democrat Jonathan Nez in Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District since the July primary, according to a KTAR News 92.3 FM analysis of Federal Election Commission filings.

Most of that money was spent in the past three weeks.

That’s an unusual amount for a district President Donald Trump won by about 15 points in 2024 and Crane carried by about 9 points.

Groups backing Crane have outspent those backing Nez by more than 2-to-1, about $5.3 million to $2.4 million. Most of that money came in a late surge, including nearly $5 million since Oct. 12.

The biggest spender, No Going Back PAC, has put $3.4 million into supporting Crane and opposing Nez. On the other side, House Majority PAC, a Democratic super PAC, has spent nearly $1 million against Crane.

The figures come from reports outside groups must file within days of spending money, through Oct. 25.

Jonathan Nez calls race against Crane ‘David versus Goliath’

Nez called the race “David versus Goliath” in a recent NBC interview, pointing to the millions being spent to support Crane.

“We’re being outspent. But you know what? The American people are smart. They know what’s going on,” Nez said. “I’m a sheepherder. I grew up on the Navajo Nation without running water or electricity.”

The outside money adds to the advantage Crane already had. As of Oct. 14, his campaign had $1.35 million in the bank, compared with $506,000 for Nez’s, according to the campaigns’ FEC reports.

$56 million and counting: Outside money floods Arizona’s House races

Outside groups have spent nearly $56 million on Arizona’s nine U.S. House races since the primary, most of it in October.

The 2nd District ranks third, behind the 1st District race between Republican Jay Feely and Democrat Amish Shah, at more than $25 million, and the 6th District race between Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani and Democrat JoAnna Mendoza, at about $22.5 million.

The other six districts have drawn less than $500,000 combined, according to FEC data.

Money in the 2nd District arrived later than in the other two. About 84% of it came in October, compared with about 70% in the 1st and 6th.

Election Day is Nov. 3.

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