Independent Kyrsten Sinema, who previously served as a Democratic Senator for Arizona, has reportedly expressed support for Republican congressional candidate Jay Feely, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump. This development marks an unusual cross-party alignment ahead of the November midterm elections in Arizona’s competitive 1st Congressional District.
According to a report from Axios, Sinema has privately indicated her backing for Feely, a former NFL kicker, during conversations with business leaders and political associates over the past month. Individuals familiar with these discussions stated that Sinema voted for Feely in the Republican primary and is considering supporting him again in the general election on November 3. She reportedly characterized Feely as a “commonsense” candidate and a “fiscal conservative.” Sinema's reported endorsement is a significant factor in a district that is considered a key battleground in the national fight for control of the House of Representatives.
Sinema's reported support also stems from a personal relationship she developed with Feely and his wife. Beyond personal connections, Sinema reportedly expressed confidence in Feely’s capability to address critical challenges facing Arizona, particularly concerning the state’s water availability. Potential reductions in Arizona’s allocation of Colorado River water have become a pressing issue for state officials and residents, and Sinema believes Feely possesses the necessary qualifications to tackle these concerns in Congress. While she has indicated her likely vote, Sinema has not yet issued a formal public endorsement.
Jay Feely is running against Democrat Amish Shah, a former Arizona state representative and emergency physician. The 1st Congressional District, which includes Scottsdale and parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area, is currently held by Republican Rep. David Schweikert, who is vacating the seat to pursue the Arizona governorship. This district has shown mixed presidential results in recent elections; President Trump carried it by approximately three percentage points in the 2024 presidential election, while former President Joe Biden narrowly won it in 2020. The Cook Political Report recently shifted its assessment of the contest from a "toss-up" to "Lean Democrat" in September, reflecting evolving political conditions.
Kyrsten Sinema’s political trajectory adds particular weight to her reported stance. She was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and then made history in 2018 by becoming the first Democrat in three decades to win a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona. However, her relationship with the Democratic Party leadership grew strained during the Biden administration. Sinema frequently diverged from her party’s agenda, notably by opposing efforts to alter Senate filibuster rules and expressing reservations about proposed tax increases and certain elements of President Biden’s economic plans. These positions drew considerable criticism from progressive Democrats, who viewed her as an obstructionist to key party priorities.
In December 2022, Sinema announced her departure from the Democratic Party to register as an independent. While she continued to caucus with Senate Democrats, she increasingly emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation and fiscal restraint. Sinema ultimately chose not to seek reelection in 2024, and Democrat Ruben Gallego won the Senate seat following her departure. Since leaving the Senate in January 2025, she has remained an active figure in Arizona’s political and business communities, often advocating for pragmatic solutions.
Jay Feely, after a 14-season career in the NFL, transitioned into sports broadcasting before entering politics. His congressional campaign has focused on key conservative principles, including border security, lower taxes, reduced government regulation, and fostering economic growth, according to the Conservative Brief. In contrast, his Democratic opponent, Amish Shah, has prioritized healthcare affordability, broader economic issues, and the protection of federal entitlement programs. President Trump's endorsement of Feely, now reportedly joined by Sinema's private support, places a distinctive coalition behind the Republican candidate in this pivotal midterm contest.
