IN FOCUS - Feb. 27, 2026

This marks the first time in 12 years that Arizona won’t play host to a U.S. Senate race, but that doesn’t mean our state won’t take center stage in 2026. Multiple Arizona House seats are in play, and the delegation will see at least two new faces as longtime GOP Congressmen Andy Biggs and David Schweikert depart in order to run for Governor.

In the northeast Valley, Rep. Schweikert’s coming departure means the race for CD-1 looks like a toss-up. Among Democrats, former legislator Amish Shah was the nominee in 2024 and is running again this cycle. A new poll conducted by HighGround suggests Shah is the frontrunner among Democratic challengers, including Marlene Galan-Woods, Jonathan Treble, Mark Robert Gordon and Rick McCartney. Meanwhile, the GOP Primary includes former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely, (soon-to-be-former?) state Rep. Joseph Chaplik (R-Scottsdale) and businessman John Trobough.

In southern Arizona, GOP Rep. Juan Ciscomani faces a difficult re-election bid in CD-6. USMC veteran JoAnna Mendoza, backed by Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, leads a Democratic field that includes Andrew Becerra, David Bellows, Chris Donat, Victor Longoria, and Miguel Olivas, among others. Gary Swing is running in the district as a Green Party candidate. 

Another flip target for national Democrats is CD-2, held by two-term Republican Rep. Eli Crane. Former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez is competing for the Democratic nomination against David Alexander and Eric Descheenie. Libertarian Curtis Goodwin is also in the mix.

In the East Valley, CD-5 will be an open seat for the first time in recent memory as Rep. Biggs runs for Governor. Former Sheriff Mark Lamb has the coveted endorsement of President Trump in this deep red district.. Former legislator Travis Grantham is also running, and has the benefit of being known to many district voters via his legislative experience. Democrats seeking their party’s nomination in CD-5 include Elizabeth Lee, Chris Lee, Chris James, Brian Hualde and Blake Bracht.