Mark Lamb overcomes scandals to win GOP primary; plus other AZ congressional results

Mark Lamb, the former Pinal County sheriff, won the Republican primary in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, according to unofficial results. The Associated Press called the race for Lamb shortly after early results were released. He defeated political newcomer Daniel Keenan in the conservative southeast Valley district.

The race drew attention after allegations involving sexting, threats, intimidation, nude photo sharing and racist messages surfaced during a months-long investigation. Keenan spent his own money on ads highlighting the allegations, while a Republican group ran ads emphasizing Lamb’s endorsement from President Donald Trump. Lamb is running for the seat being vacated by Rep. Andy Biggs, who is seeking the governor’s office.

In the 4th Congressional District, Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton defeated activist Kai Newkirk in the primary. Stanton, a former Phoenix mayor and member of the House’s centrist New Democrats group, has held the seat since 2018.

Former NFL kicker Jay Feely won the Republican nomination in the 1st Congressional District, edging former state Rep. Joseph Chaplik in unofficial results. In the same district’s Democratic primary, former state Rep. Amish Shah held an early lead over former newscaster Marlene Galán-Woods. The results of Arizona’s primary remain unofficial until ballots are counted and certified by election officials.