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Amish Shah wins Democratic primary in Arizona, defeating party establishment's pick
🇺🇸 United States /Elections & Politics

Amish Shah wins Democratic primary in Arizona, defeating party establishment's pick

From PBS NewsHour · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Amish Shah, an emergency physician, won the Democratic primary in Arizona's 1st Congressional District.
  • Shah defeated a candidate backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which had favored a rival.
  • He will face Republican Jay Feely, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, in the general election for a seat crucial to House control.

Amish Shah, an emergency physician, secured a key Democratic primary victory in Arizona's 1st Congressional District, defying the preferences of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). The DCCC had backed rival Marlene Galán-Woods, a former Republican. Shah's win marks another instance of voters rejecting party leadership's choices in Washington.

Our victory in this primary was a grassroots victory where Arizona voters made their voices heard.

— Amish ShahShah's statement after winning the Democratic primary.

Shah will now compete against Republican Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker endorsed by former President Donald Trump, in the fall election. The race for this affluent district, which includes parts of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and Paradise Valley, is seen as pivotal for determining control of the U.S. House. Although registered Republicans outnumber Democrats, the district has shown a trend toward the center in recent years.

The seat became open after Republican Rep. David Schweikert sought the governorship. The DCCC's endorsement of Galán-Woods, a former Phoenix television journalist, had puzzled local Democrats, as she and Shah shared few ideological differences and were both considered moderates. The contest was not framed as a battle between progressives and centrists within the party.

Now, it's my job to earn the support of every voter in this district.

— Amish ShahShah's commitment following his primary victory.

"Our victory in this primary was a grassroots victory where Arizona voters made their voices heard," Shah stated Wednesday night, acknowledging his win without directly referencing the DCCC's decision. He added, "Now, it's my job to earn the support of every voter in this district." DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene characterized Feely as an "extremist" and asserted Shah would prioritize his community, but did not comment on the DCCC's endorsement controversy. The National Republican Congressional Committee immediately targeted Shah with an online ad, labeling him a socialist.

I'm a political outsider committed to delivering results.

— Jay FeelyFeely's statement after Shah won the primary.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by PBS NewsHour in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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