Arizona’s primary elections: Which US races to watch and why they matter | Donald Trump News
Arizona Voters Prepare for Key Primaries
Arizona voters will head to the polls on Tuesday to select nominees for several pivotal races that could influence control of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Democratic governorship in the state.
Historically a Republican stronghold, Arizona has shifted between parties in recent elections. Democrat Joe Biden narrowly won the state in 2020, while former President Donald Trump reclaimed it in the 2024 presidential race.
The most significant contest is the Republican primary for governor, where four candidates will vie to challenge Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in the November election. The results will also shape a series of critical congressional races in one of the nation’s most competitive battleground states.
Polling Hours
Polls will open at 6 a.m. local time and close at 7 p.m. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast their vote.
Voter Eligibility
Registered Democrats and Republicans may vote in their respective party primaries. Independent voters have the option to participate in either the Democratic or Republican contests. Arizona has approximately 4.3 million registered voters, including about 1.5 million Republicans, 1.2 million Democrats, and 1.5 million independents.
Ballot Overview
Arizona voters will select party nominees for various offices, including governor, congressional seats, state offices such as secretary of state, attorney general, and treasurer, as well as all 30 seats in the state Senate and all 60 seats in the state House of Representatives.
Gubernatorial Candidates
The Republican gubernatorial primary features four candidates, primarily focusing on a showdown between Congressman Andy Biggs and Congressman David Schweikert. Biggs, a former chair of the House Freedom Caucus and a staunch Trump ally, has built his campaign around the former president’s policies, while Schweikert positions himself as a pragmatic conservative, emphasizing the need for broader appeal among voters.
For the Democrats, Governor Hobbs is running for her second term, making her one of only two Democratic governors in states Trump won in 2024.
Congressional Races
The primary also includes the open race for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, vacated by Schweikert’s gubernatorial campaign. This district, encompassing parts of Scottsdale and northeastern Phoenix, is anticipated to be among the state’s most competitive races in November. Republican candidates include state Representative Joseph Chaplik, former NFL kicker Jay Feely, who has Trump’s endorsement, and technology executive John Trobough.
On the Democratic side, doctor and former state Representative Amish Shah, who narrowly lost to Schweikert in 2024, is competing against former news anchor Marlene Galan-Woods. Galan-Woods, a former Republican, is backed by the national party.
Another closely watched contest is in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, where Republican Representative Juan Ciscomani seeks a third term against Democrat JoAnna Mendoza. Both candidates are unchallenged in the primaries and will face each other in November.
Impact of Global Issues
The Democratic Party’s divisions over the U.S. stance on Israel’s conflict with Gaza are surfacing in some congressional primaries. In Arizona’s 4th Congressional District, Representative Greg Stanton faces a challenge from progressive Kai Newkirk, who criticizes Stanton’s support for Israel. Meanwhile, in the neighboring 3rd Congressional District, Representative Yassamin Ansari has shifted her position on Israel, evidencing the changing dynamics within the party.
Election Results Timing
Polls close at 7 p.m. local time, but results are not expected to be released until 8 p.m. Early voting and mail-in ballots are prevalent in Arizona, allowing counties to report many ballots shortly after polls close. To date, more than 755,000 ballots have already been cast. Initial results are anticipated within hours, but close races may require additional time for processing mail ballots.
