Ciscomani Tackles Fierce GOP Rival in High-Stakes Southern Arizona Showdown

U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani is seeking re-election for Southern Arizona’s Congressional District 6 amid a challenging primary against fellow Republican Kathleen Winn on July 30. This primary marks a rematch from the 2022 race, where Ciscomani garnered 47 percent of the vote, significantly outpacing Winn’s 19 percent.

Winn believes this year’s contest will be distinctly different. “Last time there were five people in the race,” Winn remarked. “It’s him and I this time. We keep hearing this is a moderate district. I believe it’s a conservative district.” District 6 spans portions of Tucson, Pima County, and extends to areas including Cochise, Pinal, and Graham Counties, as well as all of Greenlee County.

According to the Arizona Secretary of State’s office, the district’s political composition includes 36 percent Republicans, 31 percent Democrats, and 33 percent unaffiliated voters. Ciscomani emphasizes his record of achievement from his freshman term, highlighting over $60 million in federal funding allocated to infrastructure, water projects, hospitals, and first responders.

Ciscomani’s legislative efforts have focused on bipartisan support. He noted his collaboration with Democratic Senator Mark Kelly on a bill to establish the Chiracahua National Park in Cochise County. His tenure has been marked by support for laws targeting high-speed chases near the border and expanding veteran benefits. The Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University recently named him the most bipartisan lawmaker in Arizona and 45th nationwide.

However, Winn criticizes this bipartisan approach, stating that it fuels her campaign. “Those are the people that I would align with in Congress,” she said, aligning herself with conservative figures like Representatives Andy Biggs and Jim Jordan.

Ciscomani defended his willingness to engage with opposing viewpoints. “We need individuals willing to act with passion and principles to get results. That’s been my approach,” he asserted. Ciscomani also has received endorsements, including support from former President Donald Trump, who called him an exceptional representative.

Despite Ciscomani’s support from Trump, Winn claims mixed signals from the former president. “Trump did not mention Juan today at the rally,” Winn pointed out after attending a June 6 event in Phoenix.

Financially, Ciscomani holds a significant advantage, having raised over $705,809 in the last quarter. His campaign reported $2,829,877 cash on hand as of June 30. Winn, in contrast, started the year with just $16,538 and had no funds left by the end of June. She said she is focused on grassroots efforts and digital outreach to connect with voters.

The dynamic between the two candidates includes a lack of direct engagement. Winn criticized Ciscomani for skipping debates, saying, “My opponent is not acknowledging I exist.” The Ciscomani campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

The winner of this contentious GOP primary will go on to face Democrat Kirsten Engel in the general election scheduled for November 5.