PHOENIX — Democrat Tom O’Halleran, the most vulnerable incumbent in Arizona’s nine-member congressional delegation, was defeated after a heated challenge from a Republican.
On Thursday, businessman and former Navy SEAL Eli Crane defeated the three-term incumbent when more votes were counted in the election. Crane bet on redistricting to make it easy to unseat O’Halleran.
Crane will now represent the at-large 2nd Congressional District, which covers most of northeastern Arizona and goes south to the northern suburbs of Tucson. The redistricting turned the district into a heavily GOP-leaning district by including Prescott.
O’Halleran relied on his moderate voting record, name recognition and consistent work across the Navajo district to hold onto the seat.
Crane had the support of former President Donald Trump and a new Republican advantage in the district in his favor.
In addition to O’Halleran County, three of Arizona’s nine congressional seats were up for election Tuesday, two of which are currently held by Democrats and only one by Republicans. It was too early for everyone to call.
