Eli Crane

Eli Crane is a Republican U.S. Representative serving Arizona's 2nd Congressional District, first elected in 2022 and assuming office on January 3, 2023. Born in Tucson and raised in Yuma, Arizona, Crane's background is characterized by military service and entrepreneurship. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy one week after the September 11 attacks, serving for 13 years as a Navy SEAL with SEAL Team 3. During his military career, he completed five wartime deployments, including three to Iraq. Following his service, he attended Arizona Western College and the University of Arizona, though he left before graduating to focus on his military and business career. Before entering politics, Crane gained national recognition as an entrepreneur. He co-founded Bottle Breacher, a veteran-owned company that manufactures bottle openers from decommissioned .50-caliber shell casings. The business was featured on the television show 'Shark Tank' in 2014, where it secured investments from Mark Cuban and Kevin O'Leary. Crane served as the company's CEO until he sold the business in 2022 to run for Congress. In the 2022 general election, he defeated Democratic incumbent Tom O'Halleran in a newly redistricted seat and was subsequently re-elected in 2024.

Eli Crane's policy platform is centered on fiscal conservatism, border security, and veterans' advocacy. A member of the House Freedom Caucus, he consistently advocates for limited government and reduced federal spending, supporting single-subject spending bills over large omnibus packages. He has publicly opposed the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, citing concerns over the national debt. On economic issues, he favors low taxes and deregulation to foster small business growth, and he has introduced legislation such as the 'End H-1B Visa Abuse Act' to reform the immigration and labor markets. Regarding national security and immigration, Crane is a staunch supporter of border enforcement, advocating for the completion of the southern border wall and the implementation of the 'Secure the Border Act.' He has also called for an end to non-nuclear 'chain migration' through the 'Nuclear Family Priority Act.' In terms of social policy, Crane is pro-life and a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. He has also been vocal against the inclusion of Critical Race Theory in school curricula and 'woke' initiatives within the military. Additionally, he focuses on veterans' affairs, pushing for expanded healthcare options and better transition services for those re-entering civilian life.