PHOENIX — Democratic Rep. Tom O'Halleran, the most vulnerable incumbent in Arizona’s nine-member congressional delegation, has been defeated after a spirited challenge from a Republican.
Businessman and former Navy Seal Eli Crane defeated the three-term incumbent on Thursday as more votes were counted from the election. Crane banked on redistricting making it easy to knock off O'Halleran.
Crane will now represent the sprawling 2nd Congressional District, which covers much of northeastern Arizona and dips south to the northern Tucson suburbs. Redistricting remade the district into one that strongly favors the GOP by drawing in the Prescott area.
O’Halleran leaned on his moderate voting record, name ID and consistent work across the district that includes the Navajo Nation to hold onto the seat.
Crane had former President Donald Trump’s backing and the new Republican advantage in the district in his favor.
Besides O’Halleran’s district, three others among Arizona’s nine congressional seats were in play in the election that concluded on Tuesday, two now held by Democrats and just one by Republicans. All were too early to call.
O'Halleran released the following statement Friday morning:
"I want to thank the hardworking Arizonans that made calls, knocked doors, and engaged voters–especially the unparalleled staff on Team O’Halleran. I cannot begin to express my gratitude to this uniquely giving, intelligent, and truly dedicated group of people.
"Whether they voted by mail or in person, Arizonans turned out and participated in our democracy this year. And an essential part of that democracy is a peaceful transfer of power, at every level of government.
"There’s no denying that my team and I are incredibly disappointed in these results, but I thank the families of Arizona's First District for giving me the opportunity to serve you these last six years.
"I thank my opponent for a well-fought and challenging race and wish him all the best in his service to Arizona’s Second District."
