Full Breakdown
Arizona GOP Primaries Yield Trump-Backed Nominees Amid Ongoing Controversies
7/22/2026, 8:21:04 AM
Primary Outcomes
Republican voters in Arizona selected four high-profile candidates. Rep. Andy Biggs won the GOP nomination for governor, defeating Rep. David Schweikert, Ken Miceli and Scott Neely. Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb secured the nomination for the 5th Congressional District. Former NFL kicker Jay Feely captured the GOP nod in the 1st District after shifting from an initial bid in the 5th. State Rep. Alexander Kolodin became the Republican nominee for secretary of state, beating former party chair Gina Swoboda.
Background & Context
Arizona’s 2026 midterms follow a 2024 flip to President Donald Trump after electing Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in 2022. The governor’s race is seen as a key Republican target, with the nominee expected to influence the 2028 presidential cycle. Trump’s endorsements backed Biggs, Lamb, Feely and Kolodin.
Data & Statistics
- Arizona has roughly 4.3 million registered voters: about 1.5 million Republicans, 1.2 million Democrats and 1.5 million independents.
- Early on primary day, about 755,000 ballots were cast—roughly 347,000 from Republicans and 335,000 from Democrats.
- In the 6th District, Democratic challenger JoAnna Mendoza has raised over $7 million, while incumbent Republican Juan Ciscomani has raised about $6 million.
- In 2022, 93 % of Democratic primary votes and 79 % of Republican primary votes were cast early or by mail.
Official Statements & Responses
- Andy Biggs told USA Today, “I may be conservative, but I’ve also shown that even when you’re conservative, if you look to collaborate, you can find points and ways to collaborate with even people who fundamentally disagree with you on other things.”
- He testified before a congressional hearing that he had seen “zero evidence” of 2020 election fraud.
- Alexander Kolodin faces a state-bar sanction for actions surrounding the 2020 election but continues to promote a voter-ID constitutional amendment slated for the November ballot.
Criticism & Opposition
- Investigative reporting by the Arizona Republic alleged that Lamb engaged in years-long sexual misconduct and abuse of power; his campaign calls the claims a “massive smear campaign.”
- Kolodin’s legal challenges to the 2020 and 2022 election results and his representation of “fake electors” have drawn scrutiny from election-integrity watchdogs, though he remains pending bar proceedings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I may be conservative, but I’ve also shown that even when you’re conservative, if you look to collaborate, you can find points and ways to collaborate with even people who fundamentally disagree with you on other things,” — Rep. Andy Biggs
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Both claims lack definitive resolution.
- Vote-count projections are pending; early-vote totals are available, but final margins have not been released.
What’s Next
- The November general election will pit Andy Biggs against incumbent Governor Katie Hobbs.
- Mark Lamb will face a Democratic opponent in the 5th District, a historically safe Republican seat.
- The voter-ID amendment championed by Kolodin will appear on the November ballot, pending certification.
- Fundraising continues in the competitive 6th District as Mendoza and Ciscomani prepare for a close House contest.
