Full Breakdown
Trump-Backed Candidates Sweep Arizona Republican Primaries
7/23/2026, 4:35:21 AM
Core Event: GOP Winners Across the Ticket
On Tuesday’s Arizona Republican primaries, candidates endorsed by former President Donald Trump secured the party’s nominations for the state’s top offices and several congressional districts.
- Governor: Rep. Andy Biggs led the four-candidate field with 73 % of the vote, while Rep. David Schweikert trailed at 15 % (Associated Press).
- 1st Congressional District: Retired NFL kicker Jay Feely won with just under 50 % of the vote, defeating former state Rep. Joseph Chaplik (35 %) and tech executive John Trobough (15 %) (Associated Press).
- 5th Congressional District: Former Pinal County sheriff Mark Lamb won 59 % to 41 % over construction businessman Daniel Keenan (Associated Press).
- Statewide Offices: Rep. Andy Biggs (governor), state Rep. Alexander Kolodin (secretary of state), and Senate President Warren Petersen (attorney general) each secured their nominations.
In the Democratic primaries, incumbent Gov. Katie Hobbs ran unopposed, while the 1st District Democratic race remained uncalled, with former state Rep. Amish Shah leading at 77 % (Associated Press).
Background & Context
Arizona has shifted from a reliably Republican stronghold to a competitive swing state. Since 2016, Democrats have captured the governor’s mansion, both U.S. Senate seats, and the attorney-general office. Trump’s 2024 presidential win in Arizona, by roughly five points, set the stage for his endorsed candidates to dominate the 2026 GOP contests (The Guardian; CBS News).
Data & Statistics
- The 1st District, covering affluent Scottsdale and parts of Phoenix, is rated a “toss-up” by Inside Elections and Sabato’s Crystal Ball.
- The 5th District is classified as “Safe Republican” by Sabato’s Crystal Ball.
- A poll commissioned by Lamb’s campaign indicated a narrow lead for Keenan, contradicting the primary result that showed Lamb ahead.
- One-third of Arizona voters express “not at all” or “somewhat” confidence that absentee ballots will be counted fairly (CBS News, citing ASU research).
Official Statements & Responses
Gov. Katie Hobbs framed the upcoming gubernatorial election as a test of confidence in Arizona’s election system, warning that a Biggs victory would place an “election denier” in charge of a key swing state. Former Rep. Matt Salmon warned that embracing Trump’s line on election denial is a “stone around your neck” in the general election. President Trump reiterated his refusal to acknowledge the 2020 result and announced plans to declassify documents alleging Chinese interference.
Criticism & Opposition
Barrett Marson, a longtime Arizona GOP strategist, cautioned that Biggs and Kolodin will be “saddled with election denialism” for the next three months, suggesting Democrats could exploit the issue. In the 5th District, the Arizona Republic’s investigation alleged Lamb’s involvement in sexual misconduct; prosecutors found no criminal basis, and Lamb denied wrongdoing.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
What’s Next
- November General Election: Biggs will face Hobbs for governor; Feely will contest the 1st District against Democrat Amish Shah; Lamb will run against Democrat Elizabeth Lee in the 5th District.
- Election-Integrity Debate: Trump’s promised declassification of documents on alleged Chinese interference is slated for release before the November ballot.
- House Control: The outcomes in the 1st and 5th districts will be pivotal for Democrats’ hopes of flipping the U.S. House.
These primaries underscore the continued influence of Trump’s endorsement on Arizona’s Republican electorate and set the stage for a high-stakes November contest.
