State 48 Report (VIDEO): Grantham Joins CD‑5 Race as Biggs Eyes Governor’s Office
Exclusive: Travis Grantham sits down with State 48 News as “No Kings Day” protests sweep Arizona — plus, the Arizona House passes a budget drawing unexpected praise from both sides of the aisle.
Christy Kelly talks to former Arizona State Rep. Travis Grantham
Republican Travis Grantham, a third-generation Arizonan and longtime public servant, has officially launched his campaign for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District. With a resume that blends military service, business leadership, and conservative legislative experience, Grantham is positioning himself as the candidate ready to bring East Valley values to Washington.
While still in college at ASU, he enlisted in the Arizona Air National Guard, starting as a KC‑135 maintenance technician. He later earned his pilot wings in 2003 and now holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Grantham says he will continue serving in the Guard while campaigning for Congress.
With over 3,000 flight hours as an aircraft commander, evaluator, and instructor, Grantham has deployed in support of homeland defense and overseas combat operations.
Grantham was first elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2016, representing District 12 before redistricting placed him in District 14. During his tenure, he served as Speaker Pro Tempore from 2021 to 2025. Grantham told the Arizona Globe that he believes in term limits and never made the switch to the Senate after he termed out.
With Congressman Andy Biggs stepping aside to pursue a run for governor, CD‑5 is now an open seat. The East Valley district—encompassing Gilbert, Queen Creek, and parts of Chandler—is considered a GOP stronghold, but the primary field is competitive.
Grantham has consolidated early support among many legislators and recently landed the endorsement of former Congressman Trent Franks.
🎤 Key Questions We Asked Grantham
As he transitions from state politics to the federal stage, here are some of the issues we discussed:
Why are you making the leap from state politics to a seat in the U.S. House?
What are your plans to address housing affordability?
What’s your stance on education, and should the Department of Education be closed?
Has Arizona done enough to secure our elections?
If elected, how will CD‑5 residents know you’re fighting for them—and not becoming part of the D.C. machine?
Grantham enters this race with name recognition, a record of conservative policy victories, and deep ties to the East Valley. Whether that’s enough to secure the nomination in what’s shaping up to be one of the most watched Republican primaries in the state remains to be seen.
Previously, we spoke to candidate Jay Feely and featured an early poll that was published last week. ICYMI: the article is featured below. We hope to speak with the rest of the candidates in CD‑5 soon. Biggs is leaving big shoes to fill in Washington.
The Battle for Biggs’ Seat
The stage is set in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District (CD5), where Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ)—a conservative heavyweight and former chair of the House Freedom Caucus—has announced he won’t seek re-election, opting instead for a run at statewide office.
Arizona House Advances a Budget to the Senate — Freedom Caucus Takes a Victory Lap
At 9:00 p.m., the Arizona House officially passed its version of the state budget. Much more on the details to come—but in a surprise twist, the Freedom Caucus is already taking a victory lap.
📄 You can read their full statement below.
“No Kings” Rally Sweeps Across Arizona: State 48 News On the Ground
Arizona is bracing for a wave of demonstrations as the national “No Kings” movement reaches the Southwest. The rallies, timed to coincide with Flag Day and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, are expected to take place in multiple cities across the state.
Organizers say the movement is a rebuke of political elites and the federal government’s growing power—calling out what they describe as a “ruling class mentality.” The slogan “No Kings” echoes themes of constitutionalism, states’ rights, and resistance to authoritarian rule.
While the protests have gained traction on social media, law enforcement agencies are on alert. Some groups have warned of potential disruptions or counter-protests, prompting officials to remind participants to remain peaceful.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, who previously criticized federal crackdowns on protestors during the Trump administration, issued a statement warning that “violence, vandalism, or threats to public safety will not be tolerated.” But given prior rhetoric this new tough tone may be too late.
State 48 News will be on the ground at several rally points, bringing firsthand coverage and interviews with participants.
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