Trump-backed candidates are dominating the Arizona primaries, setting the stage for a November showdown.
Candidates endorsed by President Donald Trump won overwhelmingly in the Arizona Republican primary on Tuesday, solidifying the president's enduring influence within the Republican party.
These primary victories also pave the way for conservatives to make a strong effort to regain the governorship and hold key congressional seats in the November midterm elections.
Representative Andy Biggs, endorsed by Trump, won the Republican nomination for governor, defeating fellow candidate David Schweikert and other rivals by a large margin.
This victory sets the stage for a tense rematch with Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, who won the party nomination unopposed and narrowly defeated former Trump-backed candidate Kari Lake in 2022.
“Two outstanding candidates, two great people, two esteemed champions, and therefore, I am deeply honored to fully endorse both,” Trump said earlier, endorsing both Biggs and another candidate before Biggs entered the race.
At a rally in Phoenix, Trump added, “I’m so sorry to lose him from Congress… but he would be a great governor.”
Biggs, a longtime conservative of the America First party and former chair of the Freedom Caucus, campaigned on promises of tax cuts, border protection, and restoring law and order.
His overwhelming victory in the primary further solidified Trump's perfect track record of supporting winners of Republican primarys across Arizona.
In the race for the No. 1 congressional seat left vacant after Schweikert's withdrawal, former Arizona Cardinals baseball player and sports analyst Jay Feely secured the Republican nomination with Trump's support.
Feary, who positions himself as an "America First" conservative, will face Democratic candidate Amish Shah in the general election in the competitive suburban district encompassing parts of Scottsdale and northeastern Maricopa County.
In a Truth Social post, Trump praised Feely and another candidate as “Two respected Americans above all else” and gave both his “full and absolute support,” declaring, “JAY OR GINA WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Felly has emphasized fighting for border security, economic growth, and putting the interests of Arizona families first.
Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, another Trump favorite, won the Republican primary in the 5th Congressional District, a Republican seat that Biggs is leaving.
Trump called Lamb a “MAGA Warrior” and declared, “I am incredibly honored to endorse MAGA Warrior Mark Lamb… Mark Lamb has my full and absolute endorsement to be the next Congressman for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Lamb, known for his tough stance on crime and support for law enforcement, the military, and veterans, campaigned on promises to secure the border, cut taxes and regulations, and promote American energy dominance.
In Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, incumbent Congressman Juan Ciscomani, who was endorsed by Trump, won unopposed, solidifying his position as a strong conservative voice in that contested seat.
Trump also endorsed other Republican lawmakers from Arizona, including Representatives Eli Crane, Paul Gosar, and Abe Hamadeh, showing broad party consensus on candidates who prioritize his agenda of border security, economic strength, and election integrity.
On the Democratic side, Hobbs easily won re-election while several other progressive candidates challenged incumbent lawmakers in House races.
Representative Greg Stanton defeated his far-left opponent in the 4th congressional district, avoiding a major upset and keeping attention focused on the general election's progress.
The preliminary results showed Republican unity behind candidates close to Trump, who focused on core conservative priorities: securing the southern border in a key state of the migrant crisis, reducing excessive government intervention, and benefiting working families.
Mr. Biggs and the congressional nominees have pledged to work closely with the Trump administration on these issues.
These victories come as Republicans aim for wins in the 2026 midterm elections.
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Arizona remains a crucial battleground, and Biggs' victory would return the governorship to the Republican party after Hobbs' narrow win in 2022.
This outcome serves as an early indicator of the strength of the parties in the contested Sun Belt region, with the midterm elections just about 100 days away.
