Two Democratic candidates, former state Rep. Amish Shah and former television news anchor Marlene Galán-Woods, remain in a close contest for their party’s nomination in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District as of early Wednesday morning, July 22, 2026. Neither secured enough votes to win the nomination outright, setting up a rematch that could determine control of a crucial House seat.

Shah, an emergency room physician and the 2024 Democratic nominee who narrowly lost to Republican David Schweikert, is seeking another chance to flip the seat. The winner of this primary will face former NFL kicker Jay Feely, who won the GOP primary late Tuesday night with President Donald Trump’s "complete and total endorsement."

The 2026 midterm elections are critical, as they will decide control of both the House and Senate, shaping President Donald Trump's legislative agenda during the final two years of his term.

Meanwhile, RNC senior advisor Danielle Alvarez has highlighted the growing influence of Democratic Socialists in Arizona primaries, citing the Arizona House 4 race where incumbent Greg Stanton faces challenger Kai Newkirk. Alvarez criticized Newkirk's platform, including calls to abolish ICE, and described the Democratic Socialists of America’s surging membership as a setback for mainstream Democrats and the nation.

Reflecting on the political climate, one observer stated, "I’ve grown to believe Washington is unsavable. I do believe Arizona is savable."

Sources