A Former Democratic Senator Is Quietly Backing a Republican Congressional Candidate: Report
Former Democratic senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona has announced her support for Republican candidate Jay Feely in his race for the U.S. House of Representatives.Sinema, who became an autonomous in 2022 but still caucused with Democrats, revealed she voted for Feely in the Republican primary and indicated she is highly likely too vote for him in the general election. She praised Feely as a “common-sense” and “fiscal conservative” and mentioned her belief that he is the best candidate to address Arizona’s water crisis. Feely, a former NFL player and broadcaster, is running against Democrat Amish Shah for the open congressional seat in Arizona’s First district. The race is highly competitive, with overall control of the House expected to be decided in about 20 key tossup seats. Feely has received support from former President Donald Trump and gained attention at a Republican convention. The political landscape in Arizona is complex, with future key races including the gubernatorial race between Republican Andy Biggs and Democrat Katie Hobbs.Sinema’s endorsement could be highly influential given the narrow majority margins in Congress.
Former Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona is backing Republican candidate Jay Feely as he runs for the House of Representatives.
Sinema, who became an independent in 2022 but continued caucusing with Democrats, told Arizona business and political leaders that she voted for Feely in the Republican primary, Axios reported.
She chose not to run for reelection to the Senate in 2024, and Democrat Ruben Gallego ultimately defeated Republican Kari Lake to replace her.
Feely is running in a highly competitive race in Arizona’s First Congressional District, which has an open seat this cycle.
During several meetings this month, Sinema said she’s gotten close to Feely and his family, adding that he’s “common-sense” and a “fiscal conservative,” according to two sources who were present during her remarks.
The former member of the Senate also said Feely is the best person to help fix the state’s water crisis.
Additionally, Sinema said she will likely vote for Feely in the November general election, with control of the House likely coming down to roughly 20 tossup seats, according to Cook Political Report.
The discussions cited by Axios were deemed to be “casual conversations over the past month with groups of business and political leaders and allies.”
Feely is a former NFL kicker and broadcaster who is running against former Democratic state Rep. Amish Shah.
He has also garnered the support of President Donald Trump.
Feely gained further recognition when he spoke at the first-ever Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas, in September.
“We are blessed to live in the greatest country in the world. We are still the shining city on the hill,” he said during his speech. “We will not surrender our future. We are the ones who must preserve it.”
Feely has played for several high profile NFL teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and his home state Arizona Cardinals.
Feely and Shah are competing to fill the seat being vacated by Rep. David Schweikert, a Republican.
Schweikert dropped his reelection bid to run for governor of Arizona, but ultimately lost the Republican primary to Rep. Andy Biggs.
Biggs is set to face off against Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs in what PBS News described as potentially “one of the closest governor races in November.”
Republicans will be defending a razor-thin majority in the House this cycle, making Sinema’s support highly consequential.
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