It's Another Primary Loss for Establishment Democrats

The Democratic establishment just suffered another primary loss, this time in a pivotal House race in Arizona. Amish Shah, a moderate and former state representative, finished first in a crowded field that included Marlene Galan-Woods, the candidate backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, reports Politico. Her loss adds to a growing list of instances where national Democrats' preferred candidates have been turned aside by primary voters.

Shah, a physician who also captured the primary in 2024 before losing the general election to Republican Rep. David Schweikert by four points, will now face Jay Feely in November. Feely is a former NFL kicker endorsed by President Trump, and the New York Times points out an odd connection between the two rivals: Shah was a physician for the New York Jets in 2008, when Feely was their kicker. The suburban Phoenix district—which includes Scottsdale—is considered a top Democratic pickup opportunity after Schweikert left the seat to run against Rep. Andy Biggs in the Republican primary for governor.