Trump backs longtime golf friend Jay Feely in tight Arizona House race
Donald Trump and allied GOP groups have poured over $22 million into the campaign of his longtime friend Jay Feely as he battles Democrat Amish Shah in Arizona’s pivotal 1st District.
In a rare display of personal loyalty shaping campaign strategy, Donald Trump and Republican allies have spent upwards of $22 million to support Jay Feely, a former Arizona Cardinals kicker and longtime golf companion, in the closely watched 1st District race against Democrat Amish Shah. Trump intervened to move Feely from a safe seat into the battleground district, clearing rivals and endorsing him publicly. Despite the heavy backing, Feely is navigating Trump’s negative approval rating in the district, with Shah running ads linking the two.
Feely has also attended a Texas meeting with Speaker Mike Johnson and Elon Musk, who has donated $20 million to a top House GOP super PAC. While Trump’s team allows Feely some distance from the president, the candidate has skipped recent Trump rallies and pledged to act independently if needed. Internal polls show the contest as a toss-up, and both parties view the seat as crucial for control of the House.
Why it matters
The outcome will affect the balance of power in the U.S. House and shows how personal ties can influence political spending.
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