Trump-linked PAC airs ad showing wrong candidate in competitive Arizona race

Key points

• Never Going Back PAC, a group tied to Trump’s political operation, launched an attack ad on October 9 targeting Democrat Jonathan Nez.
• The ad incorrectly used a photo of Myron Lizer, a Republican and Nez’s former vice president, in two instances while displaying Nez’s name.
• A spokesperson for the PAC acknowledged the error and confirmed the ad was corrected and reposted with the proper images.
• The district is rated 'Likely Republican' by the Cook Political Report, but August polls showed the race within the margin of error.
• The PAC plans to spend over $650,000 in the district, which covers Arizona’s vast Northeast corner.

Background

This incident occurs amid a broader trend of Republican anxiety in traditionally safe states ahead of the November 3 midterms. Recent Cook Report shifts have moved 15 House races toward Democrats, signaling a potential loss of the GOP majority. Meanwhile, rising healthcare costs and economic frustrations are upending GOP strategy, with Democrats leveraging immediate voter pain to attack incumbents. Trump is also campaigning in red states to shore up support, reflecting deep concerns about his approval ratings and the economy.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post and Yahoo News Singapore focused on the factual error in the ad, noting the PAC’s quick correction. The Arizona Republic provided background on Nez’s career as Navajo Nation president, while Daily Kos highlighted Nez’s campaign strategy, emphasizing his appeal to Republicans frustrated with Trump’s policies and economic impacts. All sources agree on the competitive nature of the race, but Daily Kos uniquely emphasized Nez’s argument that he is winning over Republicans who feel betrayed by the current administration.

Why it matters

The ad error underscores the high stakes and resource intensity of the Arizona 2nd District race, a key battleground in the 2026 midterms. It reflects the broader Republican struggle to maintain support in districts where economic dissatisfaction is growing. The correction also highlights the risks of rapid ad deployment in competitive races, where errors can undermine credibility. This incident may influence voter perception of the campaign’s professionalism and the effectiveness of Trump-linked spending in flipping seats.

What to watch

The race will likely remain competitive through Election Day, with both sides continuing to deploy ads and ground games. Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in Arizona next week, potentially boosting support for incumbent Eli Crane. Polls and voter turnout will be critical in determining whether the district flips to Democrat Jonathan Nez, who is leveraging economic frustrations and his tribal leadership experience to appeal to independents and Republicans.