Republicans backed by former President Donald Trump swept Arizona’s primary contests, giving the GOP a strong foundation to reclaim the governor’s mansion and defend competitive congressional seats in the November midterms.
U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, a Trump endorsee, rolled to the Republican nomination for governor, outdistancing fellow Rep. David Schweikert and other challengers by a wide margin. His win sets up a high-stakes rematch with Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, who ran unopposed for her party’s nomination. Hobbs narrowly defeated former Trump-backed candidate Kari Lake in 2022.
Trump had earlier endorsed Biggs and another contender before Biggs entered the race, writing, “Two fantastic candidates, two terrific people, two wonderful champions, and it is therefore my Great Honor TO GIVE MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT TO BOTH.” At a Phoenix rally, Trump added, “I hate to lose him from Congress… but he’ll be a great governor.”
Biggs, a longtime America First conservative and former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, campaigned on cutting taxes, securing the border, and restoring law and order. His primary victory extends Trump’s unbroken record of backing statewide Republican primary winners in Arizona.
Open Seat in the 1st District
In the open 1st Congressional District, vacated by Schweikert, former Arizona Cardinals kicker and sports analyst Jay Feely captured the GOP nomination with Trump’s backing. Feely, who presents himself as a true America First conservative, will face Democrat Amish Shah in the fall. The suburban district, which includes parts of Scottsdale and northeastern Maricopa County, is considered competitive.
Trump praised Feely and another candidate in a Truth Social post, calling them “Two Highly Respected America First Patriots” and offering both his “Complete and Total Endorsement.” He wrote, “JAY OR GINA WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Feely has focused his message on border security, economic growth, and putting Arizona families first.
Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, another Trump favorite, won the Republican primary in the 5th Congressional District, the deeply red seat Biggs is leaving behind. Trump called Lamb a “MAGA Warrior,” declaring, “It is my Great Honor to endorse MAGA Warrior Mark Lamb… Mark Lamb has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Congressman from Arizona’s 5th Congressional District — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Lamb, known for a tough-on-crime platform and support for law enforcement, the military, and veterans, ran on securing the border, cutting taxes and regulations, and championing American energy dominance.
Incumbents Advance
In the 6th Congressional District, Trump-endorsed incumbent Rep. Juan Ciscomani advanced unopposed, securing a strong conservative voice for a competitive seat. Trump also backed fellow Arizona Republicans Eli Crane, Paul Gosar, and Abe Hamadeh, underscoring broad party alignment behind candidates who prioritize his agenda of border security, economic strength, and election integrity.
On the Democratic side, Hobbs cruised to renomination, while some progressive challengers tested incumbents in House races. Rep. Greg Stanton held off a far-left challenger in the 4th District, avoiding a major upset and keeping attention on the general election.
The Reaction
The results show Republican unity behind Trump-aligned candidates who focus on core conservative priorities: securing the southern border in a state at the heart of the migrant crisis, reducing government overreach, and delivering results for working families.
Biggs and the congressional nominees have pledged to work closely with the Trump administration on those goals.
What This Means
The victories come as Republicans look to make gains in the 2026 midterms. Arizona remains a key battleground, and a Biggs win would return the governor’s office to GOP control after Hobbs’ narrow 2022 victory.
The results also offer an early read on party strength in the Sun Belt battleground, with the midterms roughly 100 days away.
