Hamadeh Triumphs Over Masters, Toma in Heated Battle for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District Republican Primary

Former candidate for Arizona Attorney General, Abe Hamadeh, has emerged victorious in a crowded race for the Republican nomination for the state’s 8th Congressional District.

As of Wednesday afternoon, The Associated Press reported that Hamadeh had secured nearly 30% of the vote, outpacing venture capitalist Blake Masters, who garnered 25%.

Hamadeh initially received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. However, just two days before the primary, Trump extended his support to Masters as well.

Both candidates had previously been endorsed by Trump during the 2022 midterms. Masters aimed to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, while Hamadeh sought to overturn his 280-vote loss to Kris Mayes, albeit unsuccessfully.

In a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Masters congratulated Hamadeh on his win, urging unity among the party’s nominees for the upcoming November elections.

Longtime state legislator and Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives Ben Toma received 21% of the votes. Former Congressman Trent Franks and far-right State Sen. Anthony Kern secured 16.5% and almost 5%, respectively, while Patrick Briody concluded with 2%.

National Republican Campaign Committee Spokesperson Ben Petersen also extended his congratulations to Hamadeh. “The West Valley made clear they want a conservative warrior,” Petersen stated.

Congressional District 8, encompassing the northwest part of Phoenix and most of the northwest suburbs, is deemed a Republican stronghold. Consequently, the winner of the Republican primary is widely expected to claim victory in November.

The race to replace current U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko, who announced in October 2023 that she wouldn’t seek reelection, attracted significant attention. Toma focused on his legislative track record, touching on culture-war issues, hostile immigration proposals, and sweeping tax cuts.

Expressing his disappointment, Toma thanked his supporters and highlighted his positive campaign centered around his accomplishments. “I am forever grateful and humbled by the level of support,” he posted on X.

Franks, who resigned from Congress in 2017 due to a scandal, was succeeded by Lesko, who has represented the district for nearly a decade.

In November, Hamadeh will go head-to-head with Democratic candidate Gregory Whitten, who ran unopposed in the primary.