Amish Shah Clinches Arizona Democratic Primary Victory in Key Battleground District

Dr. Amish Shah, a moderate Democrat and emergency physician, secured victory in Arizona’s competitive House primary on Wednesday, defeating centrist challenger Marlene Galán-Woods, who had received backing from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Shah, a former state lawmaker known for his grassroots organizing and advocacy for door-to-door canvassing, will now face Republican nominee Jay Feely in the general election. Feely, a former NFL kicker, previously played for the New York Jets, where Shah served as a sideline physician in 2008.

The race to replace retiring Republican Representative David Schweikert is anticipated to become one of the costliest House contests nationwide this November, as Democrats aim to leverage President Trump’s declining approval ratings to regain control of the chamber.

Shah previously ran for this seat in 2024, narrowly losing to Schweikert. The district encompasses parts of Scottsdale and Phoenix.

Shah’s win over Galán-Woods, a former Republican and broadcast journalist described by the DCCC as “the straight-shooter Arizonans deserve,” marks another setback for the committee’s intervention strategy in Democratic primaries. Galán-Woods is the widow of Grant Woods, a former Arizona attorney general and close associate of Senator John McCain who later distanced himself from the Republican Party due to disagreements with Trump.

At his election night gathering in Phoenix, Shah acknowledged the DCCC’s involvement, joking that he hoped to secure their endorsement over Feely. His victory underscores growing tensions within the party regarding outside influence in primary elections.

Progressive Representative Adelita Grijalva of Arizona echoed Shah’s sentiments, criticizing the DCCC’s interference and calling for the organization to refrain from participating in future primary contests. “I hope that this is a lesson,” she stated.

Sejal Govindarao contributed reporting.

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