| Eli Crane has been a DISASTER for rural communities – and rural Arizonans are taking notice.
In a new letter to the editor, a constituent calls out Crane for voting to gut health care and food assistance – a decision that will hit rural communities particularly hard.
Arizona’s Second Congressional District is one of the most rural areas in the country, with roughly 14 people per square mile and multiple counties classified as 100% rural. At least three rural hospitals in AZ-02 could close because of Crane’s Medicaid cuts and tens of thousands of Crane’s constituents are at risk of going hungry in a district already struggling with food deserts.
DCCC Spokesperson Lindsay Reilly:
“Eli Crane consistently votes against rural Arizonans. Instead of fighting to lower costs, Crane has spent his time in D.C. ripping food off families’ tables, threatening health care, and jacking up prices for families across rural Arizona. Crane should spend more time with his constituents – which might be a challenge since he lives an hour away from the district – and less time catering to D.C. party bosses.”
Read the letter for yourself…
Arizona Republic: Crane offers support, then votes against rural Arizona | Letters
- Rep. Eli Crane often claims to champion rural Arizona… However, his legislative record tells a different story.
- Rep. Crane was among six Arizona Republicans who voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Trump in 2025. Despite its appealing name, the bill’s impact on rural Arizonans is alarming.
- The legislation includes deep cuts to Medicaid and other federal health programs, threatening already struggling rural hospitals. Experts warn these cuts could force more hospital closures and reduce essential services, especially in areas where many depend on Medicaid. Gov. Katie Hobbs cautioned that labor and delivery units will close, and vital services will disappear, putting pregnant women at risk in counties where OB-GYNs are scarce.
- Additionally, the bill slashes SNAP (food assistance), hurting families and local farmers. Medicaid cuts alone could reduce rural spending by $155 billion over 10 years. The law also fails to extend enhanced ACA subsidies, risking health coverage for 4.2 million people.
- Supporters highlight the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, but the American Medical Association notes this cannot offset the estimated $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts.
- Rep. Crane says rural needs are often overshadowed by urban interests. He’s right — but actions matter more than words.
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