Fmr. Dems for Feely: Sen. Kyrsten Sinema Backing Jay Feely For Congress: Report
Former Democrat Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema is crossing party lines to support “commonsense” and “fiscal conservative” Jay Feely, Axios first reported.
Why it matters: Growing bipartisan support strengthens Feely’s pitch to key ticket-splitting ‘Ducey-Sinema’ voters in this part of Arizona. (Governor Doug Ducey endorsed Jay Feely previously.)
With the ranks of Republicans, Democrats and Independents who oppose the extreme, socialist policies of Amish Shah growing, Jay Feely continues gaining momentum into the final stretch.
“Arizonans of all parties trust Jay Feely to fight for lower taxes, a stronger Valley economy and protecting our water. In stark contrast, Socialist Amish Shah vowed to raise taxes an average of over $4,000 and impose socialized government health care while reopening the border and going easy on sex offenders.” – NRCC Spokesperson Ben Petersen
In case you missed it…
Scoop: Sinema quietly boosting Republican Jay Feely
Axios
Stef Knight
October 13, 2026
Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) has told business and political leaders in Arizona that she chose to vote in the Republican primary — for House candidate Jay Feely, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: Sinema was a Democrat less than four years ago. Now she’s quietly promoting a Republican during a cycle when the GOP is on the defensive.
Sinema still has sway in Arizona. And she lives and votes in one of the most competitive House districts — AZ-01, an open seat this cycle.
Zoom in: In multiple casual meetings over the past month, Sinema has told people she has gotten to know Feely and his wife and likes him, describing him as “commonsense” and a “fiscal conservative,” two sources who were present when Sinema made the comments told Axios.
Sinema has indicated she sees Feely as the best person to help handle Arizona’s water crisis, including cutbacks to the state’s share of the Colorado River, one source said.
Sinema has also discussed her decision to vote in the GOP primary in these conversations —and indicated she is likely to vote for him in November as well.
These were casual conversations over the past month with groups of business and political leaders and allies.
Zoom out: Feely now has the backing of a former elected Democrat — and President Trump.
A former NFL kicker, Feely is running against former state Rep. Amish Shah (D) to fill the seat being vacated by Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.).