Democratic congressional candidate Jonathan Nez visited Maricopa on Wednesday, spending part of the morning helping bag rice at F.O.R. Maricopa Food Bank before discussing his campaign, according to InMaricopa.
Nez, the former Navajo Nation president, is seeking a rematch against Republican Rep. Eli Crane in Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District. During the visit, he said his priorities for the district include transportation infrastructure and water security.
Nez said his experience in office convinced him that congressional representation requires knowledge and preparation. He argued that his conversations with people across the 58,000-square-mile district showed concerns about funding, infrastructure and whether federal dollars are reaching local communities.
He also pointed to water issues, including access to Colorado River water and groundwater protection, saying his work on water rights settlements in New Mexico and Utah would help him handle those challenges. Nez added that he wants to see continued expansion of State Route 347 and another route to Interstate 10 through the Gila River Indian Community.
According to InMaricopa, Nez said his background as a tribal leader would help him work with municipalities, sovereign nations and federal agencies to move projects forward.
