Shah, Feely to face off in battleground House race

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.