Trump endorses Eli Crane for re-election in Arizona’s 2nd District

Trump the president gave his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to the retired Navy SEAL representing Arizona's 2nd Congressional District.

First Published: July 10, 2026, 4:17 PM ET

WASHINGTON D.C. — Donald Trump endorsed Congressman Eli Crane for re-election in Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District on a Truth Social post on July 10, 2026 at 3:09 PM EST.

Here is the full post on truthsocial: “Congressman Eli Crane is an America First Patriot who is doing an incredible job representing Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District! A retired Navy SEAL, Eli bravely served our Nation in combat, and is doing a fantastic job in Congress. Eli is fighting tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Brave Military/Veterans, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Eli Crane has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

Trump praised Eli Crane as an “America First Patriot” and highlighted the congressman’s background as a retired Navy SEAL who served in combat. The endorsement cited a broad list of policy priorities including economic growth, tax cuts, energy production, border security, military support and Second Amendment protections.

Eli Crane, a Republican, has remained active in Congress in recent weeks. His official page lists several legislative efforts advancing through committees, including a bipartisan Legacy Mine Cleanup Act and a bill expanding U.S. Capitol Police drone interception authority (see house.gov). Crane also joined a memorandum of understanding signing at USDA headquarters aimed at countering what he described as lawfare against American farmers and ranchers (see house.gov).

The endorsement arrives as Crane faces a competitive re-election cycle. Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District, a sprawling rural seat covering much of the state’s eastern region, has drawn attention from challengers within the Republican primary (see substack.com). A presidential endorsement carries significant weight in GOP primaries, where Trump’s backing has historically shaped down-ballot races.

Crane first won his seat in 2022 and has aligned closely with Trump’s policy agenda during his time in office. He drew national attention in 2023 when he used the term “colored people” during a House floor debate on a defense amendment, a remark he later called a case of misspeaking (see cbsnews.com). The House passed his amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that year on a 214-210 vote.

The district Crane represents includes portions of Navajo Nation territory and several rural Arizona counties recently designated as primary natural disaster areas by the USDA due to drought conditions (see navajotimes.com). Crane applauded those designations, which unlock federal assistance for affected farmers and ranchers (see house.gov).

Trump has used Truth Social frequently to shape Republican primary contests ahead of the 2026 midterms. In the last 30 days, 92 of his 504 posts on the platform addressed the topic of elections.