As the number of lawmakers with direct ties to production agriculture continues to shrink, who will step up to speak for rural America? Farm Journal is proud to present Ag Vote 2026: Who Speaks for America’s Farmers?, delivering in-depth reporting from now through Election Day. Tune in for LIVE election night coverage Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. Central on Farm Journal TV, Farm Journal Now, AgWeb.com and YouTube.
The race for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District is heating up as Democrat Jonathan Nez, former president of the Navajo Nation, challenges incumbent Republican Rep. Eli Crane. The district includes major cities and towns such as Flagstaff, Casa Grande and Maricopa.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Arizona’s economy, generating $30.9 billion in economic output and supporting more than 126,000 jobs with $7.2 billion in labor income. That footprint is especially prominent in the state’s 2nd Congressional District, which is home to 12,114 farms, according to the USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture.
Rep. Crane, a Navy veteran who served from 2001 to 2014, has held the seat since January 2023. Meanwhile, Nez grounds his candidacy in a rural upbringing spent farming and raising cattle in a home without running water or electricity. He credits his background with teaching him hard work, resilience and a deep understanding of the challenges farmers face.
A Message to Struggling Producers
Nez says he understands the difficult times farmers are facing with soaring input costs, such as diesel and feed. During his time as president of the Navajo Nation, he advocated for healthier diets and self-sufficiency for the Navajo communities. Speaking out for tribal agriculture prepared him to represent growers and ranchers across the entire district, he says.
Top Agricultural Policy Positions
When asked about his core policy goals in Congress, Nez points to four immediate challenges:
- Defending the state’s agricultural share of the Colorado River. This comes after a recent mandatory reductions totaling hundreds of thousands of acre-feet.
- Addressing global conflicts, such as the war with Iran, and trade barriers, including tariffs on vital agricultural inputs, such as fuel and fertilizer.
- Ensuring that farmers and ranchers in the United States are the ones producing our meat.
- Streamlining federal laws and processing restrictions that prevent livestock and produce from reaching local grocery shelves quickly.
In August, Rep. Crane backed a $25 million USDA investment to construct a new sterile fly dispersal facility in Arizona. He was also in attendance at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between USDA and the U.S. Small Business Administration aimed at addressing regularly overreach lawfare complaints from farmers, ranchers and producers..
Cutting Red Tape and Restoring Rural Resources
Nez says he would like to support local producers and have fewer regulations so that food can be processed and get to supermarkets sooner. Nez would like to provide support for those in USDA who experienced DOGE cuts.
“We shouldn’t be taking food off the tables of our elders and our children, and the Big Beautiful Bill did just that,” Nez says.
Ultimately, Nez frames domestic agricultural production as a national security issue. Ensuring producers have the financial and regulatory backing to thrive, he argues, is the only path toward genuine food sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Rep. Eli Crane, who did not respond to Farm Journal’s request for an interview, secured an amendment in the House-passed farm bill to expedite recovery efforts following the White Sage Fire. He also backed measures to remove pesticide liability protections and guarantee rancher compensation for Mexican wolf predation. Beyond the farm bill, Crane has supported the Fix Our Forests Act and the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025, pushing for both conservation bills to reach the president’s desk.
Working with Constituents on Bipartisan Hurdles
Nez emphasizes that representatives must listen to all constituents regardless of their political affiliation. He adds that feedback provides far more insight and value than the demands of donors or corporations.
“Enough is enough. We need to go back to listening to the people, because when you do that, you have a better perspective on how to advocate on their behalf in Washington, D.C,”
Nez says. “It is time we have a leader that’s elected in Washington that will listen.”
In August, Rep. Crane traveled to Camp Verde, where local ranchers raised concerns regarding the U.S. Forest Service. In response, Crane is drafting legislation to expedite fence repairs following natural disasters.
“Last week, I had the privilege of visiting with constituents, industry leaders and remarkable institutions within Arizona’s Second Congressional District. While there is much work to be done in Washington, D.C., it’s refreshing to get back home and meet face to face with the people I’m honored to represent. I look forward to building on these relationships and delivering principled and effective solutions for all Arizonans,” Crane says.
