Primary elections in Arizona: Candidates, and how to vote
The Republican race for governor and several closely contested congressional races will be the focus of this Tuesday’s election day
Arizona is holding its primary elections this Tuesday, July 21, at a pivotal moment for both major parties. Republicans are choosing the candidate who will try to unseat Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, while Democrats are selecting their nominees in some of the country’s most competitive congressional districts.
Voters will also decide the nominees for the U.S. House of Representatives, the state Legislature and several other public offices. The results will provide an early indication of the support still enjoyed by candidates aligned with President Donald Trump and the direction both parties are likely to take ahead of November’s midterm elections.
Arizona is once again at the center of national politics as a key swing state. Although Trump carried the state in the 2024 presidential election, Democrats still hold the governor’s office and hope to gain congressional seats that could prove crucial in determining control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
When are Arizona’s primary elections?
Arizona’s primary elections will be held on Tuesday, July 21.
Polls will close at 7:00 p.m. local time across most of the state. The exception is the Navajo Nation, where polling hours differ because it observes daylight saving time.
As in previous election cycles, a significant share of ballots has already been cast through Arizona’s early voting and mail voting system.
What’s on the ballot?
Voters will choose the candidates who will compete in November’s general election for a wide range of federal, state and local offices.
These include:
- Governor of Arizona.
- U.S. House of Representatives.
- Secretary of State.
- Attorney General.
- State Treasurer.
- Superintendent of Public Instruction.
- Arizona Corporation Commission.
- Arizona State Senate.
- Arizona House of Representatives.
- Various local offices.
Who are the main candidates?
In the Republican primary for governor, U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, backed by President Donald Trump and Turning Point Action, is considered the front-runner. Biggs is facing fellow Congressman David Schweikert, along with businessmen Ken Miceli and Scott Neely.
Another closely watched race is the 1st Congressional District, where Democrats Amish Shah and Marlene Galán-Woods are competing for their party’s nomination, while Republicans will choose between former NFL kicker Jay Feely, who has Trump’s endorsement, and former state lawmaker Joseph Chaplik.
In the 6th Congressional District, another of the state’s most competitive races, Republican Juan Ciscomani and Democrat JoAnna Mendoza will advance directly to the general election after facing no primary challengers.
Who can vote?
Arizona uses a partisan primary system. Registered Democrats and Republicans may vote only in their own party’s primary, while independent or unaffiliated voters may choose whether to participate in either the Democratic or Republican primary.
According to state registration records, Arizona has about 4.3 million registered voters, including roughly 1.5 million Republicans, 1.2 million Democrats and a similar number of independent or unaffiliated voters.
How and where can you vote?
Arizona conducts most of its elections through early voting and mail ballots. However, voters who have not returned their mail ballot may cast their vote in person on Election Day.
Voters can locate their polling place or a Vote Center through their county’s election website. In many counties, including the most populous ones, voters may cast their ballot at any Vote Center within the county rather than being assigned to a single polling location. A valid form of identification is also required to vote in person.
When will the results be announced?
The first results are expected to be released shortly after polls close. Although many races could produce a projected winner on Tuesday night, the full vote count may continue over the following days, particularly in closely contested races. Arizona law also provides for an automatic recount if the margin between candidates is 0.5% or less of the total votes cast.