Former Dem Senator Backs GOP Candidate in Arizona House Race

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Former Democratic Senator Kyrsten Sinema has been privately supporting Republican congressional candidate Jay Feely in Arizona, according to a new report. Sinema, who left the Democratic Party to become an independent in 2022, has been promoting Feely among Arizona business and political leaders, describing him as a ‘commonsense’ candidate and a ‘fiscal conservative,’ Axios reported.

Private Support and Political Strategy

Sinema reportedly discussed her support for Feely during informal meetings with Arizona business and political figures over the past month. She expressed her belief that Feely, a former NFL kicker and football commentator, is the best candidate to address Arizona’s water challenges, including potential reductions in the state’s share of the Colorado River. Sinema also indicated she is likely to vote for Feely in November.

Feely’s campaign has already secured the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, emphasizing tax cuts, reduced regulation, and other conservative economic priorities. The race is considered one of the country’s most closely watched House contests, with control of Congress potentially at stake.

Political Significance and Context

The race is taking place as Democrats seek to regain control of the House, where Republicans currently hold a narrow majority. Reports indicate that Arizona’s 1st and 6th congressional districts are key contests that could determine the balance of power in Washington. Sinema’s reported involvement could offer Feely an opening with voters who have previously supported Democrats but are now receptive to candidates emphasizing fiscal restraint.

Sinema’s support is particularly significant in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, where she lives and votes. The open-seat contest between Feely and Democratic nominee Amish Shah is among the country’s closely watched House races. Cook Political Report moved the race from a toss-up to ‘Lean Democrat’ on September 25, citing a political environment that could benefit Shah.

Political Career and Cross-Party Positioning

Sinema, who was once a member of the Democratic Party, has been defined by her willingness to break with party leadership in her final years in the Senate. Elected to the House as a Democrat in 2012, she won a Senate seat in 2018 before leaving the party in 2022. Her break with Democrats followed years of clashes with party leaders over legislation, including proposals to change Senate rules and major spending measures.

Sinema did not immediately respond publicly to the Axios report. Her reported vote in the Republican primary and her private comments about Feely have not been presented as a formal campaign endorsement. With the November 3 election approaching, the race remains one of the key contests in the fight for the House, with Sinema’s support adding a prominent former Democrat to Feely’s list of political allies.

Source: Daily Wire