Democratic candidate Amish Shah held an early lead over Republican Jay Feely in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, a closely contested race in the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections. At 1:16 a.m. Wednesday, Shah had secured 55% of the counted vote. However, officials had not declared a winner, and the contest remained too close to call.
The outcome is being closely watched as Democrats make gains across the country and secure control of both chambers of Congress. The district, located in the North Valley, covers portions of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Cave Creek. Republican David Schweikert, who had represented the constituency for 15 years, did not seek reelection after entering the Arizona gubernatorial race, which he ultimately lost.
Feely, a former NFL placekicker, entered the congressional contest after receiving encouragement from President Donald Trump. He also secured Trump’s endorsement and has described himself as a close friend of the president for approximately 20 years.
Shah previously served in the Arizona Legislature and worked as an emergency room physician. He also contested the same congressional seat in 2024 but was defeated by Schweikert.
Throughout the campaign, both candidates sought to portray their opponent as holding extreme political positions. Feely’s advertisements repeatedly characterized Shah as a socialist. Shah, meanwhile, argued that Feely would prioritize loyalty to Trump over the interests of residents in Arizona’s 1st District.
The closely watched contest is among the races drawing attention as the final balance of power in Congress takes shape.
