By Matthew Holloway |
Republican Rep. Abe Hamadeh has won reelection in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, and former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb has won the open 5th District seat. The victories keep both seats in Republican hands following competitive general election contests.
Hamadeh defeated Democratic challenger Bernadette Greene-Placentia to secure a second term representing the West Valley district. Lamb defeated Democrat Elizabeth Lee for the seat held by Republican Rep. Andy Biggs, who sought the governor’s office instead of reelection to Congress. The 5th District includes much of the East Valley and portions of Pinal County.
Both Republican candidates recovered from early deficits. Lee and Greene-Placentia initially led Tuesday evening before subsequent ballot counts moved Lamb and Hamadeh ahead. By Friday morning, both Republicans held more than 51% of the reported vote.
Lamb’s victory follows his Republican primary win over Daniel Keenan. Hamadeh faced no Republican primary challenger.
Both candidates received support from the National Federation of Independent Business’s (NFIB) federal political action committee. The NFIB FedPAC endorsed Lamb and Hamadeh among six Arizona congressional candidates, citing their positions on small business issues, economic growth, and regulation.
The Republican victories followed Democratic gains elsewhere in Arizona’s congressional delegation. Republican Jay Feely conceded the 1st District contest to Democrat Amish Shah, while Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani conceded the 6th District race to Democrat JoAnna Mendoza.
Mendoza said Ciscomani called to congratulate her and concede. “Country over party. Service above self. Southern Arizona always,” she said.
The 2nd District contest between Republican Rep. Eli Crane and Democrat Jonathan Nez has remained uncalled as of this report. With Hamadeh and Lamb’s races decided, Republicans have secured three Arizona congressional seats, Democrats have secured five, and the Crane-Nez contest would determine the remaining seat.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
