Overview
- The state GOP chair became the first prominent Republican to launch a bid for the open seat after Rep. David Schweikert opted to run for governor.
- She said she will remain party chair until January and has resigned her adviser role at the Arizona House of Representatives.
- The district covering northeast Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Paradise Valley is rated a toss-up by the Cook Political Report after Schweikert’s 51.9%–48.1% win over Democrat Amish Shah last year.
- Democrats are preparing competitive bids, with returning candidate Amish Shah and former journalist Marlene Galán-Woods described as top contenders.
- Reaction within the GOP is split, with far-right critics attacking her support for voucher guardrails and analysts noting Trump’s backing may help in a primary but pose risks in a general election.