Arizona primaries set the stage for contested fall races in a swing state : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-21 04:00:00 — www.npr.org
Arizona Primaries Highlight Trump’s Enduring Influence—and His Record of Election Falsehoods
As Arizona voters head to the polls for the state’s primary elections, the influence of President Trump looms large over key Republican races. The excerpt details how several candidates are seeking or touting Trump’s endorsement, a sign of his continued sway within the party. However, the record also shows Trump’s persistent false claims about the 2020 election, which continue to shape the state’s political landscape.
Trump’s Endorsements Dominate GOP Contests
In the Republican primary for Arizona governor, Rep. Andy Biggs is running with Trump’s endorsement and the backing of Turning Point Action, a group aligned with Turning Point USA. Biggs, a long-time Trump loyalist, voted in Congress against certifying the 2020 election results. The excerpt notes that Biggs has tried to present himself as appealing to independent voters, but his close association with Trump and the election denial movement remains central to his campaign.
Similarly, in Arizona’s First Congressional District, the Republican primary is described as a contest between a candidate with Trump’s endorsement—former NFL kicker Jay Feely—and a rival running further to the right. The outcome is seen as a test of Trump’s influence among Arizona Republicans.
False Claims About the 2020 Election
The excerpt directly addresses Trump’s record of falsehoods regarding the 2020 election. It states that Arizona “has been a battleground over election laws since the 2020 election that President Trump lost and falsely claimed was rigged.” This clear attribution highlights Trump’s ongoing promotion of the baseless narrative that the 2020 election was stolen, a claim repeatedly debunked by courts and election officials.
The legacy of these false claims is evident in the current secretary of state race. One Republican candidate, Alexander Kolodin, participated in lawsuits aimed at overturning the election results and is backed by Turning Point Action. Another, Gina Swoboda, became chairwoman of the Arizona Republican Party with Trump’s support but has stopped short of fully endorsing the “stolen election” narrative, instead citing administrative problems.
Conclusion: Trump’s Legacy Shapes Arizona’s Political Future
The Arizona primaries offer a window into how Trump’s endorsements and his record of election falsehoods continue to shape Republican politics in the state. His support remains a powerful force in GOP contests, even as his false claims about the 2020 election persist as a divisive and influential factor in Arizona’s political debates. As the general election approaches, the impact of Trump’s rhetoric and endorsements will remain a central issue for voters and candidates alike.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/21/nx-s1-5901065/midterms-primaries-arizona-elections