Jay Feely defeated Joseph Chaplik and John Trobough in the Republican primary for Arizona's 1st Congressional District on July 21. Incumbent David Schweikert (R) ran for governor of Arizona.

Newsweek's Andrew Stanton wrote that the district "is one of the most competitive in the country, having voted for former President Joe Biden in 2020 and President Donald Trump in 2024. It’s a top Democratic target." Before the election, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales, and Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball all rated the 1st District a toss-up.

12 News' Kevin Reagan wrote, "Republicans have a significant advantage over Democrats in the party's number of registered voters in CD1. But the district has over 180,000 non-affiliated voters who could sway the election's outcome." AZ Central's Laura Gersony added that the district "has historically preferred more moderate political figures."

Chaplik, founder and president of Joseph Bernard Investment Real Estate, represented the 3rd District in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2023 to 2026 and the 23rd District from 2021 to 2023. He resigned in March 2026 to focus on his congressional campaign. While in office, Chaplik belonged to the Arizona Freedom Caucus. Chaplik said, "Arizona needs a proven strong conservative voice in Washington—someone who will stand tall in D.C. and has been battle-tested to fight reckless spending and put the people ahead of special interests. I’ve done that at the State Capitol, and I’m ready to take that fight to Congress for our constituents in Arizona."

Feely was a former NFL kicker and analyst. President Donald Trump (R) endorsed him on January 6, 2026. Feely said, "When I chose to walk away from my NFL broadcasting career, keeping the Republican majority was the primary focus. We must maintain a GOP majority to ensure lower costs for Arizona’s families, safety in our neighborhoods, and the preservation of the American Dream." In March 2026, the National Republican Congressional Committee announced Feely was one of nine candidates who would receive support via its MAGA Majority program.

Trobough was the managing partner at JLA Advisors, a technology consulting firm. Trobough said he was "a proud Ronald Reagan conservative. Peace through strength, free markets, lower taxes, secure borders, and safer neighborhoods." Trobough added, "[Arizona] is ground zero for the next great American economic boom. ... I have devoted my adult life to creating jobs and being at the forefront of driving and growing the American economy here at home and across the globe. I am excited to advance our America First agenda."

Before the election, this was one of 58 open races for the U.S. House of Representatives in which an incumbent did not seek re-election. Across the country, 22 Democrats and 36 Republicans were not seeking re-election as of the July 21 primary. In 2024, 45 incumbents — 24 Democrats and 21 Republicans — did not seek re-election.