Feely Wins Arizona 1st District GOP Primary
Former NFL kicker Jay Feely, backed by President Donald Trump, has won the Republican primary for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, with media projections showing a decisive victory over Joe Chaplik and John Trobough as the incumbent David Schweikert pivoted to a gubernatorial bid. Feely’s win keeps the district in play for the GOP in November, a key turnout battleground in a wealthy Phoenix metro area. Feely’s campaign highlights include fundraising from high-profile figures in sports and entertainment, and his public message stressed maintaining the GOP majority to secure cost-of-living, safety, and broader policy goals. Trump’s endorsement has been a central aspect of Feely’s campaign narrative and is cited across coverage of the race. The field on the Democratic side features several candidates who could emerge as challengers in the general election, including Amish Shah and Marlene Galán-Woods, who previously contested the district. Feely’s political path followed his initial run for Arizona’s 5th District before switching districts after the endorsement, underscoring the strategic importance of the Trump backing in his primary victory.
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Left· 2 sources
“Trump-backed former NFL kicker Jay Feely wins CD1 GOP primary as Amish Shah leads Dem field”Arizona Mirror · Jul 22, 2026
Center· 4 sources
“Projected GOP nominee for Arizona's 1st Congressional District Jay Feely speaks after expected win”KNAZ - Flagstaff News · Jul 22, 2026

