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Trump-Aligned PAC Misidentifies Navajo Candidate in TV Attack Ads
By Drooid · · How we work
Misidentified Photo in Attack Ads
A political committee linked to former President Donald Trump, operating under the No Going Back PAC, released television advertisements that targeted Navajo Nation former President Jonathan Nez, the Democratic challenger to incumbent Republican Representative Eli Crane in Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District. The ads accused Nez of being “backed by liberal politicians” and of “pushing higher taxes,” but the accompanying black-and-white image was actually of Myron Lizer, who served as Nez’s vice president from 2019 to 2023. The ads were slated for broadcast on several local stations in mid-October, ahead of the November 3 general election.
Background and Campaign Context
Jonathan Nez, a former Navajo Nation president, is running against Rep. Eli Crane, who won the district by a large margin in the 2024 election. While the 2024 race was considered non-competitive, fundraising and advertising have intensified this cycle, with the Trump-aligned effort allocating roughly $600,000 to the district—a notable increase from the prior cycle’s minimal spending.
Official Statements and Responses
Alex Pfeiffer of Watchtower Strategy, a Trump-aligned public-affairs firm, confirmed that the advertisement is no longer airing. A media representative for Rep. Crane did not return requests for comment.
Spending and Advertising Details
AdImpact’s tracking data shows the No Going Back PAC’s campaign expenditure in the district totals about $600,000, with the disputed advertisement alone reportedly costing $700,000. The ads were intended to run throughout mid-October but were withdrawn after the misidentification was highlighted.
Potential Impact on the Race
The incident underscores the heightened scrutiny of Republican campaign tactics as they seek to defend a seat that was once deemed safe. Misidentifying a candidate may erode credibility among voters, particularly within the Navajo community, and could influence perceptions of the broader Republican strategy in the 2026 midterms.