Former President Donald Trump's endorsement power within the Republican Party faces a significant test Tuesday as Arizona holds its primary elections. The outcomes in several key races could influence the battle for the House majority and control of the state's governorship.
Trump has backed U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, for the Republican nomination for governor. Biggs is considered the frontrunner in a race that also includes Republican Rep. David Schweikert and others. The winner will challenge Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in the November general election. Hobbs is running for re-election and was unopposed for her party's nomination.
In the race for Arizona Attorney General, state Senate President Warren Petersen and military attorney Rodney Glassman are vying for the Republican nomination. The winner will face Democratic incumbent Kris Mayes.
In the 1st Congressional District, a competitive swing district in the northeastern Phoenix suburbs, Trump is supporting former NFL player and analyst Jay Feely for the GOP nomination. Also on the ballot for the Republican nomination are former state lawmaker Joseph Chaplik and businessman John Trobough. The Democratic nomination in this district features a rematch between former state Rep. Amish Shah and former Republican Marlene Galán-Woods.
For the 5th Congressional District, located in the southeastern Phoenix suburbs, Trump has endorsed former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb. Lamb faces construction contractor Daniel Keenan for the Republican nomination. Keenan has raised allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power against Lamb, though a county attorney's investigation cleared Lamb of criminal wrongdoing. Trump has reaffirmed his endorsement of Lamb.
Trump's influence has been evident in GOP primaries across the country this spring and summer, with his endorsed candidates unseating incumbents in Indiana, Kentucky, and Texas. However, his endorsement streak was broken in Iowa in early June when his chosen candidate for governor lost a close race.
In other recent contests, Trump-backed candidates secured victories in two of the three top races in Georgia and Alabama primaries last month. A setback occurred in that same month when a self-funded billionaire defeated Trump's preferred candidate in a race. In Louisiana, Rep. Julia Letlow won a nomination with Trump's backing after Senator Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial, was ousted.
This cycle of primaries, particularly in Arizona, is being closely watched to gauge the extent of Trump's continued sway over the Republican electorate as the midterm elections approach.