Jonathan Nez

Jonathan Nez grew up near Shonto herding sheep, riding horses, driving cattle and helping with his family's dry farming.¹ His grandfather represented the community on the Navajo Nation Council, and Nez has described wanting to follow him into public service while bringing an education back home.¹

He earned political science and public administration degrees at Northern Arizona University and built his political career through the Shonto Chapter, Navajo Nation Council and Navajo County Board of Supervisors.² He became Navajo Nation vice president and then served as president from 2019 to 2023.¹

Nez and his wife, Phefelia, have two children, and distance running has become another substantial part of his life.² He has completed marathons and longer races, including a commemorative run following the route home from the Navajo people's forced removal to Fort Sumner, and promoted walking, running and healthier food during his public service.¹

His current campaign emphasizes rural families, water access, local employment and energy costs, pointing to his own childhood without electricity or running water.³ Nez is challenging Republican incumbent Eli Crane again after their 2024 contest, in a largely rural northern Arizona race that has become more competitive this year.⁴⁵