Trump-backed Jay Feely wins GOP primary in Arizona’s battleground 1st District
The former football player faces a steep challenge in November, with Democrats bullish about flipping the open seat.
Jay Feely, a former Arizona Cardinals kicker and close ally of President Donald Trump, has secured a victory in Arizona’s 1st District GOP primary. The 1st District, encompassing affluent suburbs north of Phoenix, is a fiercely contested district, with House Democrats aiming to reclaim it in November. Trump's endorsement played a crucial role in Feely's triumph over former state Rep. Joseph Chaplik, who criticized Feely's conservative stance on gun rights and his humanitarian efforts in Haiti.
Feely, who has been in Trump's orbit since their college days, emphasized his ability to maintain a personal line of communication with the president. After initially considering running for the GOP seat in the 5th District, Feely shifted his focus to the 1st District following Trump's endorsement alongside former Pinal County sheriff Mark Lamb, who withdrew from the race.
As a member of the National Republican Congressional Committee’s MAGA Majority fundraising program, Feely is expected to benefit from significant financial support from the Republican Party ahead of the November election.
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