In the fiercely competitive race to succeed Rep. Andy Biggs, who is pursuing the governorship of Arizona, early financial contributions suggest a concerted effort by congressional moderates to bolster their preferred candidate, former NFL kicker Jay Feely.
Traditionally, House leadership, including Majority Leaders and WHIPs, exercise caution in primary endorsements. However, Feely's campaign has already received backing from three distinct leadership PACs, a move described by one prominent commentator as "targeted."
According to The Post Millennial, Feely is embroiled in a heated contest, with Daniel Keenan, a homebuilder from Gilbert, Arizona, emerging as his closest rival in terms of fundraising. Keenan, who has committed to joining the House Freedom Caucus, has engaged with conservative figures such as Matt Gaetz and Eli Crane during his visits to Washington, D.C., and has recently conferred with President Trump's team at the Capitol.
To secure victory, Keenan must overcome the widespread recognition Feely enjoys from his NFL career, which includes scoring over 14,000 points and even a rushing touchdown. Should Feely continue to garner support from influential PACs like Making Effective Republicans, First in Freedom PAC, and Defending The American Dream, an endorsement from President Trump might be crucial for Keenan to maintain his competitive edge.
Arizona's East Valley, a steadfastly conservative region, has been a stronghold for Biggs, who championed fiscal conservatism, constitutional adherence, and resistance to establishment overreach during his tenure. The Freedom Caucus, which Biggs fervently supported, has occasionally clashed with figures like Rep. Emmer.
Notably, Emmer's vote against forming a national commission to investigate the January 6 attack in 2021 remains a point of contention. Two years later, President Trump thwarted Emmer's bid for Speaker of the House by branding him a "Globalist RINO" on Truth Social, asserting that Emmer was "totally out of touch with Republican voters."
Meanwhile, NRCC Chair Richard Hudson, another Feely supporter, has faced scrutiny for his "bipartisan" votes on Biden-backed bills before aligning with MAGA rhetoric as he ascended to leadership. Keenan's interactions with the NRCC hint at a potentially evolving relationship.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, when queried about the Freedom Caucus, remarked in late July that the "Freedom Caucus brings valuable energy to our conference." This sentiment of "unity" could bode well for Keenan, but whether House leadership will maintain neutrality remains uncertain.
Deep red districts often possess strong local dynamics that influence voter decisions. The district in question is situated just a short drive from Charlie Kirk's Turning Point Action headquarters. As the race for Arizona's 5th Congressional District intensifies, former state legislator Travis Grantham has also amassed over a quarter-million dollars in campaign funds, with the Republican primary still a year away.
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