Arizona primaries put Trump’s 2020 shadow back on the ballot
Key races for governor, secretary of state and a House seat are testing Trump’s pull in a swing state.
By Frankie Delgado · News Reporter
3 min read
Arizona’s primary night is putting Donald Trump’s influence back under the lights, with Republican contests for governor, secretary of state and a key House seat all carrying the weight of the 2020 election fight.
NBC News’ Ben Kamisar reported that Trump’s false claims about election fraud remain a major force in the state nearly six years after Joe Biden carried Arizona. The results will help shape several November matchups in one of the country’s most closely watched swing states.
Governor’s race puts Andy Biggs in front
Rep. Andy Biggs is the leading candidate in the Republican primary for governor, according to NBC News. He is running for the nomination to challenge Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, who is seeking re-election.
Biggs, a former chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, has Trump’s endorsement. His GOP rivals include Rep. David Schweikert.
NBC News reported that Biggs spent years questioning the 2020 presidential election result, though he has been less aggressive on that issue as he looks toward a possible general-election campaign in Arizona.
Republicans are upbeat about their chances against Hobbs, who NBC News described as one of the most vulnerable governors on the ballot this year. Democrats, however, believe Biggs’ closeness to Trump could become a problem for him if he wins the nomination.
Secretary of state race carries 2028 stakes
The Republican primary for secretary of state features state Rep. Alexander Kolodin and former Arizona Republican Party chair Gina Swoboda. The winner will face Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes.
The office comes with a high-stakes job: Arizona’s top election official will oversee the state’s election system during the 2028 presidential race.
NBC News, citing KJZZ, reported that Kolodin was heavily involved in legal and political efforts by Trump allies after the 2020 election. He has support from Turning Point USA and several conservative members of Arizona’s congressional delegation.
Swoboda previously had Trump’s backing in a congressional bid before entering the secretary of state race, NBC News reported. Trump has not endorsed in the secretary of state primary.
Swoboda has said the 2020 election was “stolen fair and square” in the courts and has pointed to problems with election administration, according to a PBS appearance cited by NBC News.
A crowded fight in the 1st District
In Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, former NFL kicker Jay Feely is the leading Republican primary contender, according to NBC News. Feely is backed by Trump.
The Democratic primary is tighter. Former state Rep. Amish Shah and former journalist Marlene Galán-Woods are facing off again after a close 2024 primary contest.
Shah has support from several former colleagues, including former Republican state House Speaker Rusty Bowers. Galán-Woods has endorsements from Sen. Mark Kelly, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Fontes.
Galán-Woods has also received help from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which placed her on its list of top candidates and recently made a joint advertising buy with her campaign, NBC News reported.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.