Jonathan Nez is a public servant and former President of the Navajo Nation who is running for Congress in Arizona’s 2nd District. A lifelong resident of northern Arizona, Nez has built his career around serving tribal communities and strengthening economic opportunity across the region.
As President of the Navajo Nation—the largest Native American tribe in the United States—Nez led through some of the most challenging moments in recent history, including the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership focused on expanding healthcare access, improving infrastructure, and delivering direct support to communities across Navajo Nation.
Before serving as president, Nez held roles as Vice President of the Navajo Nation and as a member of the Navajo Nation Council, giving him experience in both executive leadership and legislative governance.
In 2024, Nez was the Democratic nominee for AZ-02, establishing district-wide name recognition and a clear electoral baseline in a Republican-leaning seat. Now running again with early fundraising strength and national backing, he is positioned to mount a more competitive campaign in 2026.
Nez’s candidacy reflects a combination of deep local roots, executive leadership experience, and the ability to mobilize key constituencies across a geographically large and diverse district.
Key Issue Stances & Priorities
Economic Opportunity & Infrastructure – Nez supports investments in infrastructure, job creation, and economic development, particularly in rural and tribal communities.
Healthcare Access – Drawing on his leadership during the pandemic, he prioritizes expanding healthcare access and strengthening local health systems.
Lowering Costs for Families – His campaign emphasizes addressing cost-of-living challenges, including housing, energy, and everyday expenses.
Water & Natural Resources – Nez focuses on protecting water access and managing natural resources critical to Arizona’s future.
Tribal Sovereignty & Representation – He advocates for stronger federal partnerships with tribal nations and ensuring Native communities have a voice in policymaking.
Why Jonathan Nez
- Former Navajo Nation President with executive leadership experience
- Deep regional credibility and strong district fit
- Proven ability to mobilize Native and rural communities
- Established name ID from prior campaign
- Backed by national Democratic infrastructure (Red-to-Blue)
Eli Crane voted to gut Arizonans’ health care and take food off our tables – all to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Nearly 1 in 3 people in our district depend on Medicaid, or AHCCCS as it’s called in Arizona. Thousands are going to lose their health coverage and hospitals across our region – in Page, Winslow, and Globe – could be forced to shut down. Crane’s priorities might go over well in the wealthy suburbs where he is from, but not in rural Arizona.