6 Takeaways From Arizona’s Tense, Trump-Dominated Primaries
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-22 04:17:00 — www.nytimes.com
Donald Trump’s Endorsements Shape Arizona’s Republican Primaries
Donald Trump’s influence was on full display in Arizona’s Republican primaries, as candidates he endorsed scored key victories across the state. Trump’s involvement ranged from direct requests to candidates to switch districts, to public endorsements that helped propel his preferred contenders to the top of crowded fields.
Trump’s Direct Involvement in House Race
Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker, won the Republican primary in a battleground House district after Trump personally asked him to switch races. Feely, who said he was inspired to run by the 2024 assassination attempt against Trump, had originally planned to run in a different district. Trump’s intervention moved Feely into what is expected to be one of the most expensive House races in the country. Trump worked to lift Feely’s profile, describing him as “a friend of mine.”
Trump’s Endorsements Drive Gubernatorial and Congressional Races
Trump’s endorsement also powered Representative Andy Biggs to a decisive victory in the Republican primary for governor. Biggs, a hard-line Trump loyalist and former leader of the House Freedom Caucus, downplayed his vote to overturn the 2020 presidential election and emphasized bipartisan cooperation as he looked ahead to the general election.
In another race, Mark Lamb, a Trump-endorsed former sheriff, overcame allegations of sexual impropriety to win his primary. Despite accusations and denials from his campaign, Lamb’s association with Trump did not appear to hurt his standing with voters.
Election Denialism Remains a Trump-Aligned Theme
Trump’s influence extended to the race for Arizona’s top election official. Alexander Kolodin, who worked alongside Trump’s legal team in 2020 to challenge the presidential election results with baseless claims of fraud, won the Republican primary for secretary of state. Kolodin’s efforts to overturn the election were rejected by a federal judge as “baseless claims,” and he was later penalized by the Arizona state bar. Nevertheless, his campaign was buoyed by support from conservative groups aligned with Trump’s movement.
Conclusion
The Arizona primaries underscore Trump’s continued grip on the Republican Party, particularly in key battleground states. His endorsements and direct interventions have shaped the field, elevating loyalists and candidates who echo his positions on issues ranging from the economy to election integrity. As the general election approaches, Trump’s influence is likely to remain a defining factor in Arizona’s most competitive races.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/22/us/politics/arizona-primary-takeaways.html