Trump-backed candidates, including ex-Giants, Jets kicker Jay Feely, easily win Arizona primaries — socialist House hopeful gets smokedNew York Post, Jul 22, 2026
A slate of Republican candidates endorsed by President Trump, including former NFL kicker Jay Feely, emerged victorious Tuesday in Arizona’s primary elections, while a Democratic socialist House hopeful suffered a massive defeat.
Feely, who played for six teams, including the New York Jets and New York Giants, during his 14 seasons in the NFL, defeated former state lawmaker Joseph Chaplik in the Arizona 1st District race by a 49.4%-35.2% margin.
The district, rated a toss-up by the Cook Political Report, is being vacated by Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), who opted to run for governor, and is expected to be hotly contested in November.
Feely, who was endorsed by Trump in January, touted his close ties to the president on the campaign trail.
“Who can call [Trump] and who can get him to answer? That’s me,” Feely said during a primary debate, according to Politico. “He will take my call and he will listen. I have the ability to have the ear of the president.”
In Arizona’s open 5th District, former Pinal County sheriff Mark Lamb topped construction contractor Daniel Keenan in a 58.7%-41.3% vote.
Lamb, who rose to prominence for taking on Mexican cartels smuggling drugs across the border and into Arizona, will head to the midterms as the heavy favorite in the solidly red district.
“As the former Sheriff of Pinal County, Mark strongly supports our incredible Law Enforcement, Military, and Veterans, and knows the Wisdom and Courage it takes to Ensure LAW AND ORDER,” Trump said of Lamb earlier this month, in a Truth Social post.
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