Arizona Republican Primary Results: Trump-Backed Candidates Secure Key Victories
President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidates secured a series of victories in Arizona’s Republican primaries on Tuesday, July 21, highlighting the continued influence of his endorsements within the state’s Republican Party.
The results set up several closely watched contests for the November general election, including the governor’s race and competitive congressional races that could affect control of the U.S. House.
Governor’s Race: Biggs Advances to Face Hobbs
Trump-endorsed U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs won the Republican nomination for governor, defeating fellow Rep. David Schweikert and other candidates in the GOP primary. With most votes counted, Biggs held a substantial lead over Schweikert, according to results reported by the Associated Press.
The victory sets up a general-election matchup against Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, who was unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Hobbs narrowly defeated Republican Kari Lake in the 2022 gubernatorial election.
Trump endorsed Biggs after another candidate he had previously supported, Karrin Taylor Robson, left the race. Trump later praised Biggs at a Phoenix rally, saying he would be a “great governor.”
Biggs, a former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, campaigned on issues including tax cuts, border security, and public safety.
Congressional District Races
In Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, former Arizona Cardinals kicker and sports commentator Jay Feely won the Republican nomination to succeed Rep. David Schweikert, who is running for governor. Feely defeated former state Rep. Joseph Chaplik and technology executive John Trobough in the Republican primary.
Feely received Trump’s endorsement during the campaign and will face Democrat Amish Shah in the November general election. The 1st District, which includes Scottsdale and parts of the Phoenix area, is considered a competitive congressional district.
Feely has emphasized issues including border security, economic growth, and support for Arizona families.
In the 5th Congressional District, former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb won the Republican nomination to replace Biggs. Lamb defeated homebuilder Daniel Keenan in the GOP primary.
Trump endorsed Lamb and described him as a “MAGA Warrior.” Lamb campaigned on border security, law enforcement, tax and regulatory issues, and energy policy.
In Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani was unopposed in the GOP primary and will face Democratic Marine veteran JoAnna Mendoza in November. The race is one of the state’s closely watched congressional contests.
Other Key Arizona Races
Trump also endorsed other Arizona Republicans, including Reps. Eli Crane and Paul Gosar, as well as Abe Hamadeh, as Republicans sought to maintain or expand their representation in Congress.
On the Democratic side, Hobbs secured her party’s nomination without opposition. In the 4th Congressional District, Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton defeated progressive challenger Kai Newkirk in the primary. Stanton will face Republican Zuhdi Jasser in November.
Arizona also held a Republican primary for secretary of state. State Rep. Alexander Kolodin won the GOP nomination and will face Democratic incumbent Adrian Fontes in the general election.
The November General Election
The Arizona primary results established several major contests for the November midterm elections.
Biggs will face Hobbs in the governor’s race, while Feely and Shah will compete for the 1st Congressional District. Lamb will face Democrat Elizabeth Lee in the 5th District, and Ciscomani will face Mendoza in the 6th District.
The results have drawn national attention because Arizona remains an important battleground state, while several of its congressional districts are expected to be closely contested.
The November races will determine control of the governor’s office and Arizona’s congressional delegation, as well as contribute to the broader national contest for control of the U.S. House.
