President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican Party’s primary races, having secured victories for all his endorsed candidates in the 2026 primary season so far. His endorsements face a critical test on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, as Arizona holds GOP primaries for key positions including governor, attorney general, and competitive congressional districts.

Trump-backed candidates previously won two of the three major GOP primary runoff races in Georgia and Alabama last month, with the sole loss coming against a billionaire businessman who invested over $100 million of his own funds.

In Arizona, former House Freedom Caucus chairman Andy Biggs, supported by Trump and the conservative group Turning Point USA, is the frontrunner for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. He aims to challenge the incumbent Democratic governor. Other candidates in the governor’s race include concrete pumping contractor Scott Neely and business owner Ken Miceli.

For Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, anchored in northeastern Phoenix suburbs, Trump endorses Jay Feely, a former Arizona Cardinals player and CBS Sports NFL analyst. In the 5th District, covering southeastern Phoenix suburbs including parts of Mesa, Trump backs former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, who faces construction contractor Daniel Keenan. Keenan’s campaign highlights sexual misconduct and abuse-of-power allegations against Lamb, though the Pinal County attorney recently cleared Lamb of criminal wrongdoing.

Trump’s influence was also evident in Texas, where Trump-endorsed Ken Paxton defeated former Senator John Cornyn in a primary, underscoring Trump’s continued sway within the GOP.

These Arizona primaries are seen as a pivotal moment that could impact the midterm elections, particularly the battle for the House majority and control of key governors’ offices.

Sources