Shah, Feely to face off in battleground House race

Shah, Feely to face off in battleground House race

July 23, 2026/
Spread the love

By Andrew Rice
The Center Square

Amish Shah and Jay Feely will face off for Arizona’s first congressional district seat in November. The race is seen as one of the most competitive across the country and could help determine the balance of power in Congress.

Shah, a doctor and former Arizona state representative, landed on top of a crowded Democratic primary for the contentious district. He overcame a challenge from Marlene Galán-Woods, Jonathan Treble and Rick McCartney to secure the nomination.

Multiple outlets called the race late Wednesday night. Shah held 39.5% of the vote with 99% of expected votes counted. Galán-Woods trailed with 34.3% of the vote, according to the Arizona Secretary of State.

Shah has pushed back against the Trump administration’s cuts to Medicaid through the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and sharply criticized the U.S. conflict in Iran.

“From rising costs to a reckless war in Iran to the largest cuts to our nation’s healthcare system in American history, corrupt and self-interested politicians in Congress are making life harder for people, not easier,” Shah wrote on social media.

Shah lost in the 2024 general election for Arizona’s first congressional district to Rep. David Schweikert. Now, he faces off against Jay Feely, a Trump-endorsed former NFL player and analyst.

Feely has pushed for supporting the Trump administration’s immigration agenda, funding the border wall, expanding tax cuts and advancing manufacturing.

The National Republican Congressional Committee celebrated Feely’s win on Tuesday.

“Arizonans just chose a fmr. NFL player, sportscaster, business & charity leader, dad & coach ready to fight to lower taxes, grow the economy & lower costs,” the NRCC wrote.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Texas Republicans chastise Mexican official’s 'audacious' border security claims

Texas Republicans chastise Mexican official’s ‘audacious’ border security claims

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Texas Republicans are criticizing a Mexican official in response to a letter he sent about U.S. border security. In an open letter to Mexican Senator...
Feds freeze $1B to California, Minnesota Medicaid

Feds freeze $1B to California, Minnesota Medicaid

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Trump administration is pausing more than $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy...
Arrangements, services in place for Graham

Arrangements, services in place for Graham

By Alan WootenThe Center Square In a service expected to bring together many foreign leaders touched through his policy work on behalf of the United States, the late U.S. Sen....
Push increased for Dalilah’s Law to get a floor vote

Push increased for Dalilah’s Law to get a floor vote

By Alan WootenThe Center Square More than four months later, federal legislation from a North Carolina congressman addressing nondomiciled commercial drivers remains stuck in the U.S. House of Representatives. A...
Texas suffers its first casualty in Iran war: female soldier from Carrollton

Texas suffers its first casualty in Iran war: female soldier from Carrollton

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Texas has suffered its first casualty in the U.S.-Israel war against Iran: Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton. She was killed in action on...
Illinois quick hits: Benton's replacement chosen; gas prices resume climb

Illinois quick hits: Benton’s replacement chosen; gas prices resume climb

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Benton's replacement chosen Jessica Dixon Heitman was chosen unanimously to replace former state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, in the 97th House...
Illinois diversity certifications lag despite partial computer fix

Illinois diversity certifications lag despite partial computer fix

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) -- State diversity leaders recently reported a large increase in the number of Illinois businesses that get better...
FBI: Suspect in federal building attack was anti-ICE 'extremist'

FBI: Suspect in federal building attack was anti-ICE ‘extremist’

By Chris WadeThe Center Square A man arrested by federal agents Monday for starting a large blaze outside a New York City immigration court was an "anti-government extremist" who told...
U.S. House to vote on government funding stopgap

U.S. House to vote on government funding stopgap

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Republican lawmakers have teed up a Continuing Resolution that would extend government funding at current levels until Dec. 4, punting the government shutdown deadline by...
Trump vows retaliation for U.S. service members' deaths

Trump vows retaliation for U.S. service members’ deaths

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square For a 10th consecutive night, the U.S. is carrying out strikes on Iran, targeting the Islamic Republic’s ability to attack commercial ships in the Strait...
Forecasters split on midterms, but a sweep is possible, maybe likely

Forecasters split on midterms, but a sweep is possible, maybe likely

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Forecasters say Democrats are favored to take the U.S. House this November while Republicans are favored to hold the Senate, yet the likeliest outcome is...
Group behind tariff challenge calls Pritzker’s refund check demand irrational

Group behind tariff challenge calls Pritzker’s refund check demand irrational

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As over $86 billion has begun making its way back to small businesses impacted by tariffs imposed...
Abbott: Flooding worse in Kerrville this year than in 2025

Abbott: Flooding worse in Kerrville this year than in 2025

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The historic rainfall in central and south Texas that continues to cause significant flooding is worse this year than it was during the historic July...
House Oversight to examine Medicare fraud, Smithsonian, DEI policies

House Oversight to examine Medicare fraud, Smithsonian, DEI policies

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is set to host three hearings on issues that have been ongoing priorities for...
Judge delays merger between Paramount and Warner Bros.

Judge delays merger between Paramount and Warner Bros.

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square A federal judge Monday granted a temporary restraining order halting the $110 billion merger between Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. and Paramount Skydance Corp. A coalition...