2 weeks Ago
PHOENIX — Former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely filed a statement of interest Tuesday to run in the Republican primary for Arizona's Fifth Congressional District. Feely, a 48-year-old Gilbert resident, was expected to formally announce his candidacy at a media event later in the day Tuesday. Arizona candidates must file a statement of interest before they can begin gathering voter signatures to get on the ballot.
The Fifth District is a safe Republican seat being vacated by five-term Congressman Andy Biggs, a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus. RELATED: Andy Biggs expressing interest in running for Arizona governor in 2026 Biggs has announced he is running for governor in 2026. This would be Feely's first run for political office, though he's already ventured into the political arena.
In January 2014, Feely delivered a speech opening the new session of the Republican-controlled state Senate. Feely golfed with President Donald Trump in 2020, during Trump's first term. Last year, Feely publicly endorsed Trump in his 2024 presidential campaign against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.
Feely's campaign includes a former Trump campaign staffer. Feely played 14 seasons in the NFL, including a stint with the Arizona Cardinals from 2010-'13. He ended his career with the Chicago Bears in 2014.
For the last 10 years, Feely was a CBS Sports football announcer. Trump won the Fifth Congressional District by 20 points in 2024, 60% to 40% over Harris. The district takes in the booming East Valley suburbs of Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Apache Junction and San Tan Valley.
The announced Republican primary candidates are former state lawmaker Travis Grantham, former legislative candidate Alex Stovall, and Daniel Keenan. Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb has been rumored to be looking at the race. Lamb lost the Republican primary for the U.
S. Senate in 2024 to former TV newscaster Kari Lake. Lamb said Tuesday in a statement to 12News: "Since Congressman Biggs announced his run for Governor, people from all corners of Arizona have been reaching out to encourage me to run for Congress in my home district of CD5.
At this time, I'm focusing on my family and wife as we find the right path moving forward." Republican State Sen. Jake Hoffman of Queen Creek is also considering a run.
The primary election is 16 months away, on Aug. 4, 2026. Watch 12News for free You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app! The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV .
12+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX.
" Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12+ app to add to your account , or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app..
