Eli Crane has consistently opposed the teaching of critical race theory (CRT) in schools and government institutions, calling it divisive and harmful (KNST AM 790, 12/1/21, Maricopa Monitor, 7/30/21).
He describes CRT as "racist at its core" and sees it as a threat to national unity, warning it could "divide and conquer this nation" if not removed from institutions (Townhall interview, 7/21/21).
During his 2022 campaign, Crane argued that remote learning during the pandemic allowed parents to witness "critical race theory" and "cultural Marxism" being taught, which he claimed mobilized parental opposition (Copper Courier, 9/21/22).
Crane pledged to support parental involvement in curriculum decisions, positioning himself as a defender of traditional values against progressive educational trends (Copper Courier, 9/21/22).
Potential vulnerability: The strong focus on eradicating CRT and labeling related curriculum content as "cultural Marxism" could alienate moderate voters or those who support academic freedom and a broad discussion of race in education.
2021: Eli Crane Opposed Critical Race Theory In Government And Culture In an interview with Townhall, Eli Crane said, "Critical race theory is also a key issue for [me], who sees it as something being propagated throughout America's culture, institutions, and government. 'If we don't boot this stuff out quickly, the enemy will do exactly what they're trying to do and that's divide and conquer this nation and everything we stand f'" [Interview - Eli Crane with Townhall, 7/21/21]
2021: Eli Crane Opposed CRT In Schools During Congressional Campaign In an interview with KNST AM 790, Eli Crane said, "Critical Race Theory has no place in our schools, and I will work to eliminate it wherever I can." [Interview - Eli Crane with KNST AM 790, 12/1/21]
September 2022: Eli Crane Criticized Critical Race Theory and 'Cultural Marxism' in Schools According to Copper Courier, "'You know, while their kids were doing school in home. [Parents] got to see a lot of this critical race theory, this cultural Marxism crap that's being taught to our kids,' Crane said. 'And they were, it woke a lot of mama bears up, and it woke a lot of Arizonans and a lot of Americans up.'" [Copper Courier, 9/21/22]
Eli Crane Opposed Critical Race Theory In Schools And Government According to Maricopa Monitor (AZ), "Crane also said he is a 'big Second Amendment guy' and he would fight hard against critical race theory, which he called 'divisive' and 'racist at its core,' and that Crane would support measures to keep it out of institutions like schools and government." [Maricopa Monitor (AZ), 7/30/21]