Republican Rep. David Schweikert has won the primary election for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, securing the party’s nomination to keep one of the most vulnerable seats in the state. The district, currently held by Schweikert, is considered a prime target for Democrats hoping to flip it in the November general election. Schweikert narrowly won re-election in 2022 by less than 1%, making this a closely watched race.
Schweikert faced several primary challengers, including businessman Robert Backie and ex-FBI agent Kim George. However, he emerged as the frontrunner, fueled by his strong fundraising efforts. According to Axios, Schweikert led both parties in fundraising, bringing in $2.5 million. Two of the top Democratic contenders had raised about $1.5 million each.
Schweikert has represented the district in the House for nearly 15 years, having been elected in 2010 and winning re-election in several redrawn districts since. He faces a challenging race in November against a yet-to-be-determined Democratic nominee.
Potential Democratic challengers include Andrei Cherny, ex-state party chair and 2010 state treasurer nominee; Marlene Galán-Woods, ex-local news anchor; orthodontist Andrew Horne; Kurt Kroemer, ex-regional American Red Cross CEO; Conor O’Callaghan, investment banker; and Amish Shah, ex-state Rep. The results of the Democratic primary were not available at the time of publication.
The Cook Political Report rates the race as a toss-up, giving it an R+2 rating, meaning Schweikert is narrowly favored. However, this was before the Democratic nominee was decided, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the contest.
Arizona is a closely watched state in the upcoming midterm elections, with several races in the House and Senate, as well as the presidential contest, all potentially to be decided by narrow margins. The state legislature, where Republicans hold a thin majority, is also a focal point, with Democrats hoping to take control of both chambers for the first time since 1966.
The race for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who is not seeking re-election, is also drawing national attention. Sinema, who has transitioned from Democrat to independent, has made the race a key battleground for both parties.
The outcome of this contest will be closely watched as part of the broader political landscape, particularly in Arizona, where the balance of power in both state and national politics is at stake.
