Ciscomani Triumphs Over Winn in Heated CD6 Republican Primary Duel

U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani secured 62 percent of the vote in the Republican primary for Southern Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, easily surpassing challenger Kathleen Winn. This marks Ciscomani’s second victory over Winn, having also defeated her in a five-way GOP primary in 2022 where he led with 47 percent of the vote.

Winn accused Ciscomani of being too moderate despite his endorsement from GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump. “I’m feeling great, I’m feeling energized,” Ciscomani stated at his North Side campaign office. He emphasized the dual responsibilities he faces as both a campaigner and a sitting congressman.

The GOP primary victor will challenge Democrat Kirsten Engel, who narrowly lost to Ciscomani in 2022 by just two percentage points. With CD6 labeled a critical battleground by DC Democratic strategists, Engel has already outpaced Ciscomani in fundraising for the first half of the year.

“We’re even better equipped to take her on this time,” Ciscomani declared, highlighting his congressional record. He views the rematch as an opportunity to demonstrate fulfilled promises versus electoral plans.

In Southern Arizona’s other congressional battle, incumbent U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva faces Republican Daniel Butierrez in the general election. Grijalva has been undergoing treatment for lung cancer, and neither candidate encountered a primary contest.

In the U.S. Senate race, former newscaster Kari Lake leads the GOP primary with 53 percent of the vote against Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, who holds 40 percent. Lake, endorsed by Donald Trump, has persistently contested her loss in the 2022 governor’s race against Katie Hobbs through multiple, ultimately unsuccessful lawsuits.

Should her lead persist, Lake will compete against Democratic candidate Ruben Gallego in the November general election to decide Arizona’s newest U.S. senator. In the Green Party’s U.S. Senate primary, Michael Norton gained 63 percent of the vote compared to Arturo Hernandez’s 37 percent.