President Donald Trump proved this week that he is still the kingmaker in Republican Party primary contests, with his endorsed candidates sweeping key races in Arizona. Trump notably won Arizona twice, in 2016 and 2024.
Trump’s most significant endorsement in the Grand Canyon State was Rep. Andy Biggs, who cruised to victory as the GOP’s gubernatorial nominee by securing more than 70 percent of the vote. Biggs is known in the U.S. House of Representatives for his conservative voting record and previously served as the chairman of the House Freedom Caucus. He will now face incumbent Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs in the general election.
Biggs thanked Arizona voters in a statement for nominating him to represent the Republican Party in this year’s election.
“I am deeply honored to be chosen by Arizona Republicans as their nominee to defeat Katie Hobbs in November,” Biggs said. “This campaign has been driven by our grassroots supporters from the day we launched in January 2025 with a clear mission of Restoring the American Dream in our great state. Tonight’s results show that Arizonans overwhelmingly believe in our vision, and I’m grateful to have earned their support.”
Trump-endorsed candidates also won in the state’s two open U.S. House seats.
In Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb won his primary race with more than 58 percent of the vote. Lamb has been an outspoken supporter of President Trump’s border policies. “Thank you, Mr. President, for your endorsement, your confidence, and your bold leadership in the fight to Make America Great Again,” Lamb wrote on social media following his victory.
In Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, former NFL kicker Jay Feely also won following a Trump endorsement. “Thank you, Arizona! I am truly humbled by this massive outpouring of support,” Feely said in a statement. “It is time for Republicans to unite, we have a lot of work to do between now and November to ensure we keep this crucial seat RED!”
Feely will face off against progressive candidate Amish Shah, who defeated establishment pick Marlene Galán-Woods in the Democrat primary. The race is expected to be one of just a handful of contests that could determine control of the U.S. House this November.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised the “MAGA candidates” in Arizona for winning their races handily.
“MAGA CANDIDATES WON EVERYTHING LAST NIGHT IN ARIZONA, A COMPLETE SWEEP!!!” Trump wrote. “I WON ARIZONA 18 MONTHS AGO. THE DUMOCRATS ARE DUMBFOUNDED. AFTER DECADES, ARIZONA IS BECOMING A REPUBLICAN STATE. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!”
The results in Arizona were a continuation of the pattern seen in GOP primary contests elsewhere this year. As of earlier this month, 220 of the 227 candidates that Trump endorsed won their primaries, meaning that 97 percent of the president’s endorsed candidates won their primary contests. The president’s endorsement still carries the most weight among Republican voters, and his streak is likely to continue in upcoming primary contests.
Alan Jamison is the pen name of a political writer with extensive experience writing for several notable politicians and news outlets.
