Democrat and former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez interviewed with the Clean Elections Commission on Thursday in what had been slated as a debate for candidates of Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District.
Incumbent Republican Congressman Eli Crane declined to participate.
Nez attempted to appeal to the center and accused Crane of being part of the dysfunction in Washington. He cited the vote to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his post last year.
"Coming to the brink of a government shutdown. And just an extreme group of representatives that are making it very difficult for this Congress to function," Nez said.
If elected, Nez said he would be the first Native American to represent Arizona in Congress.
More election news
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Find everything you need to know about elections in Arizona and Maricopa County from KJZZ's politics team. -
A new poll commissioned by AARP shows Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs holding a sizable 8 point lead over Republican Congressman Andy Biggs in Arizona’s gubernatorial race. -
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes certified the state’s primary election results on Thursday. -
Republican Corporation Commission candidate Ralph Heap is facing a second complaint alleging he violated state campaign finance laws. -
The New York Times on Tuesday reported Hobbs, facing a Friday deadline, is planning to choose former Mesa Mayor John Giles to run for the new role of lieutenant governor.
