Key facts
- Amish Shah won the Democratic primary for Arizona's 1st Congressional District.
- Shah defeated Marlene Galán-Woods, who had the backing of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
- The district is considered a battleground and a key pickup opportunity for Democrats.
- Shah will face Republican Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker endorsed by Donald Trump, in the general election.
- The seat became open after Republican Rep. David Schweikert announced his candidacy for governor.
Amish Shah won the Democratic primary for Arizona's 1st Congressional District, a battleground seat that Donald Trump narrowly carried. Shah, an emergency physician, defeated Marlene Galán-Woods, who had the backing of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). The DCCC's decision to endorse Galán-Woods, a former television journalist, puzzled local Democrats as both candidates were considered moderates.
Shah's victory represents another instance of voters rejecting the preferences of party leaders in Washington. He stated that his win was a grassroots effort and that he would work to earn the support of all voters in the district. The race is expected to be competitive, with Republicans holding a voter registration advantage, though the district has shifted toward the center.
The seat is open because Republican Rep. David Schweikert ran for governor. Shah will face Republican Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker endorsed by Donald Trump, in the fall. Feely and Shah have a past connection, having overlapped on the New York Jets, with Shah serving as an airway management physician and Feely as the kicker.
Recent elections have seen anti-establishment fervor influence primary outcomes, with other DCCC-backed candidates facing defeats in California and Maine. The DCCC's endorsement typically brings significant financial and staffing support, but this establishment backing has become a deterrent for some voters.