Trump-endorsed ex-NFL kicker Jay Feely wins GOP primary in Arizona

President Donald Trump-backed candidate and former NFL kickerJay Feelyhas won the Republican primary in Arizona's key swing Congressional District 1, theAssociated PressandNBC Newshave projected.

With nearly 69% of the vote in, Feely handily defeatedformer stateRep. Joe Chaplikand businessmanJohn Trobough. Feely is seeking to replace retiring GOP Congressman and current Arizona gubernatorial candidateDavid Schweikertin the wealthy, metro-Phoenix-based congressional seat.

Feely initially ran for Congress for Arizona's 5th District, but switched to District 1 after Trump endorsed former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, who became the clear front-runner.

But the 1st District could be a toss-up in November. Feely will either face Democratic primary challengers former state legislatorAmish ShahandMarleneGalan-Woods, a former television news anchor endorsed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). The two Democrats squared off in the 2024 primary, with Shah beating Galan-Woods by about 1,700 votes.Shah eventually lost to Schweikert, but could be a contender again this year.

"When I chose to walk away from my NFL broadcasting career, keeping the Republican majority was the primary focus," Feelysaid in a statementposted on the social platform X. "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."

According to public data from theFederal Election Commission, Feely's congressional campaign has received thousands of dollars from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, NBA legend Charles Barkley, CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz and New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh, among others.

Feely played for theAtlanta Falcons,New York Giants,Miami Dolphins,New York Jets,Arizona CardinalsandChicago Bearsfrom 2001 to 2014.

Contributing: Tom Viera

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump-endorsed ex-NFL kicker Jay Feely wins GOP primary in Arizona