Mark Lamb wins Arizona GOP House primary despite misconduct allegations
AP projects the former Pinal County sheriff defeated Daniel Keenan in Arizona’s 5th District after Donald Trump stood by his campaign.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb has won the Republican primary for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, the Associated Press projected Tuesday, pushing past misconduct allegations that his campaign has denied.
Lamb defeated Daniel Keenan, a construction business owner who put more than $1.5 million of his own money into the race, according to CBS News. The result makes Lamb the GOP nominee in a district described by CBS News as deep red.
The seat is being vacated by Rep. Andy Biggs, a five-term Republican congressman. Biggs won the Republican nomination for Arizona governor, according to CBS News.
Allegations followed Lamb into the primary
Lamb served as Pinal County sheriff from 2017 to 2024. His House campaign was hit by a series of allegations reported by the Arizona Republic after what the newspaper described as a monthslong investigation.
According to the Arizona Republic, several women alleged that Lamb sent explicit messages and nude photos, then used threats or intimidation in an effort to hide the conduct. The newspaper also reported allegations that Lamb initiated sexual encounters involving himself, his wife and others.
The Arizona Republic separately reported that Lamb made a racist joke and cheered other derogatory remarks in messages with a border extremist. One woman also accused the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of burying her complaints after she reported Lamb’s alleged conduct to church leaders, according to the newspaper.
Lamb’s campaign has denied allegations of misconduct, Politico reported. In a May Facebook post cited by CBS News, Lamb’s wife wrote, “after all we've been through, a massive smear campaign is certainly not going to stop us from doing what's right.”
Trump stayed with Lamb
President Donald Trump’s support may have helped Lamb hold off Keenan, according to CBS News. Trump first endorsed Lamb last year and encouraged another Republican in the race, former NFL player Jay Feely, to run in a different district.
Feely moved to the 1st Congressional District, CBS News reported. Trump reaffirmed his endorsement of Lamb earlier this month on Truth Social, calling it his “great honor” to support him.
The primary win gives Lamb a clear path into the November election as the Republican nominee for a district that has been friendly to the GOP. His campaign now moves from a bruising intraparty fight into the general election with Trump’s backing intact and the allegations against him still part of the political record.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.