Democrat Ex-Lawmaker Sets Sights on Rematch Against Congressman Schweikert

Former state lawmaker Amish Shah has declared his intention to challenge Congressman David Schweikert once again in the 2026 election. Shah, a Democrat, previously lost to Schweikert in the 2022 general election, despite efforts to present himself as a moderate to voters in Maricopa County.

In an interview with The Arizona Republic, Shah expressed concern that many voters are regretting their choice of Schweikert. “I see a country that is in chaos,” Shah stated, asserting that the current political landscape is not what constituents signed up for.

This time around, he plans to adopt a more progressive platform, highlighting his commitment to defending abortion rights, specifically regarding the abortion drug mifepristone. Shah aims to focus on tangible results for residents, contrasting his priorities with what he perceives as Schweikert’s ineffective rhetoric. “Instead of fighting for Arizonans, too many of our leaders are choosing to do nothing,” he remarked.

Shah has also criticized Schweikert’s ongoing support for former President Donald Trump’s economic policies. As vice chair of the Joint Economic Committee, Schweikert has acknowledged some reservations about tariffs and the trade war under the Trump administration, yet Shah believes he should vocalize the negative impacts these policies could have on local businesses. “This is going to cause economic harm,” Shah added.

His advocacy has not gone unnoticed; the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists named Shah “Legislator of the Year” for his defense of the abortion pill during the 2022 legislative session. He also championed anti-discrimination laws aimed at protecting gender identity and sexual orientation and has been vocal about issues of marriage equality.

Shah’s political history includes a strong alignment with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. He previously supported government-run universal healthcare and advocated for socialist policy frameworks. This ideologically rich background adds a unique dimension to his candidacy.

In the 2022 election, Shah lost to Schweikert by approximately 16,600 votes, marking a narrow contest that had significant implications for both parties. Despite spending more than $6.2 million on his campaign, compared to Schweikert’s $4.2 million, Shah fell short.

As he prepares for the upcoming election, Shah will face several other Democratic challengers, including Tammi Medlin, Marlene Galan-Woods, Brandon Donnelly, and Brian Del Vecchio. The race is shaping up to be competitive as he seeks to redefine his strategy and appeal to voters once again.