The Battle for Biggs’ Seat
EXCLUSIVE: Interview with former NFL kicker Jay Feely. BREAKING: New Poll Shows Former “American Sheriff” Leading the Race to Replace Andy Biggs in CD5.
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.
His departure opens the door for a high-stakes Republican primary in this East Valley stronghold, which includes Gilbert, Queen Creek, eastern Mesa, and southern Chandler. With CD5 up for grabs, big-name conservatives are already jockeying for position in what’s shaping up to be one of Arizona’s most closely watched races.
Photo Credit: Grok — The GOP field takes shape in CD5: former NFL kicker Jay Feely, former Arizona lawmaker Travis Grantham, and “American Sheriff” Mark Lamb are the early frontrunners.
According to his campaign website, former NFL kicker and CBS broadcaster Jay Feely has entered the race as a Republican, citing his faith and a desire to serve—not build a political career—as the motivation behind his candidacy. He pointed to the July 2024 assassination attempt on President Trump as a defining moment that compelled him to act.
Feely describes himself as a “proud conservative and staunch Trump supporter.”
Feely has secured a notable endorsement from Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH). However, Arizona Republicans have historically been lukewarm toward endorsements from out-of-state figures, preferring candidates with strong local connections and a visible grassroots presence.
A former Arizona Cardinal and NFLPA representative, Feely believes his broadcasting background gives him an edge in communication—a key asset in Congress. He claims he previously turned down a request to run in 2022 (allegedly from President Trump himself) because his children were still in school, but says now is the right time.
Still, Feely’s campaign appears to be driven more by national visibility than local momentum. His website and social media accounts show little evidence of engagement with East Valley voters. State 48 News has not observed Feely participating in grassroots GOP events or making appearances at key local functions. Instead, it appears he has leaned on his name recognition to land interviews on national radio and television platforms. But it is still very early.
Feely did impress, Garret Lewis with the Afternoon Addiction. Lewis said, “Former Cardinals kicker and now congressional candidate @jayfeely was one of the best guests I have ever had on my show. I was very impressed. He talks about why he is running, his relationship with Trump, the economy, tariffs, lying politicians, and more.”
This is high praise from the often hard to please conservative radio host.
State 48 spoke to the conservative talk show host and he said while he was impressed, he has not endorsed anyone in this race.
Notably, Feely was absent from the highly anticipated kickoff rally for Andy Biggs’ gubernatorial campaign—an event many saw as a litmus test for serious contenders in CD5.
The absence didn’t go unnoticed by Turning Point Action’s Tyler Bowyer, who has been vocal about the importance of showing up for the grassroots.
Catching Up with Jay Feely: CD5 Candidate Talks Biggs, the Base, and Earning Trust
State 48’s Christy Kelly had a chance to speak with Feely, on the record. He enters the race without prior elected experience, but with national name recognition and a strong media presence.
Kelly didn’t shy away from the hot topics, including the high-profile Biggs gubernatorial rally—an event Feely was noticeably absent from.
Kelly asked Feely: “Let’s address the elephant in the room—why weren’t you at the Biggs rally? Some grassroots voters took that event as a litmus test, especially after Tyler Bowyer published a list of who showed up.”
Feely responded: “I was celebrating my birthday with my family.” He explained that he had been in Florida with his mom and the rest of his family.
Kelly followed up: “Will you be endorsing Andy Biggs for governor?”
Feely had no shortage of praise for Biggs—but when pressed on whether he would endorse him, he carefully sidestepped. “I love Andy Biggs, and I’m hopeful he’ll be our next governor,” he said, stopping just short of a formal endorsement.
Kelly continued: “Many conservatives in CD5 want to see their representatives show up and engage directly with the grassroots. Will we see more of that from you?”
Feely replied: “Absolutely—that’s what’s fun about politics.”
He then leaned into an aspirational story about House of Refuge that you need to hear.
Finally, Kelly asked: “You’ve never held elected office. Why should the people of Arizona trust you to represent one of the most conservative districts in the country?”
Feely pointed to his experience working with the NFL Players Association and acknowledged the hesitation some voters may have. He framed his lack of political experience as a strength: “I understand the skepticism, but I see it as an asset—I haven’t been corrupted by the system.”
Grantham is a combat veteran and former Speaker Pro Tempore of the Arizona House. With Rep. Andy Biggs stepping away to run for governor, the deep-red district is wide open—and Grantham was the first to throw his hat in the ring.
“I’ve dedicated my life to service—both in uniform and at the Capitol,” Grantham said in his campaign announcement. “Now I’m ready to take that fight to Washington and represent the conservative values of the East Valley,” he continued.
Grantham served in the Arizona House from 2017 to 2025, representing both Districts 12 and 14 during his time in office. As a lieutenant colonel in the Arizona Air National Guard, he’s completed combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. That dual background of military and legislative experience is his pitch to voters.
“We need leaders in Congress who understand discipline, sacrifice, and the Constitution,” Grantham added. “I’m not going there to climb the ladder—I’m going to defend our freedoms.”
Known for his work on regulatory reform and government accountability, Grantham made headlines for championing small business protections and sponsoring the popular “Tamale Bill,” which expanded Arizona’s food laws.
While endorsements are still rolling in, Travis Grantham’s deep ties to East Valley conservatives—combined with his early entry into the race—position him as a formidable contender.
His social media highlights endorsements from multiple state legislators, reinforcing his local support.
Grantham was present at the kickoff rally for Andy Biggs’ gubernatorial campaign and has maintained a visible presence at grassroots events throughout the district.
Photo Credit: State 48’s Christy Kelly caught up with Grantham at Senate President Warren Petersen’s kickoff party in the East Valley.
As of now, former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb has not officially declared his candidacy for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District seat in the 2026 election. However, he’s already being listed as a likely contender in the Republican primary. Kelly recently spoke with Janel Lamb, who confirmed, “He’s strongly considering it.”
Lamb ran for U.S. Senate in 2024, ultimately falling short in the GOP primary to Kari Lake. He later stepped down as Pinal County Sheriff at the end of 2024, leaving many to speculate about his next political move.
Given his name recognition, campaign experience, and conservative credentials, Lamb’s potential entry would send shockwaves through the CD5 field. That was reinforced today by a new poll from NextGen Polling showing Lamb with a commanding lead—before even announcing.
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