Arizona holds congressional primaries today. Trump's influence looms large

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Arizona’s status as a swing state was cemented the last two election cycles when President Biden won here in 2020 and Democrats swept key statewide races, including a U.S. Senate seat, in 2022.

But Democrats’ share of the electorate is down under Biden — Republicans now hold a nearly 260,000-person advantage among registered voters in Arizona, and hope to use that advantage to reclaim the state for former President Donald Trump, who lost by less than 11,000 votes four years ago.

And control of Congress could run through Arizona, with competitive House and Senate races that will be set after voting closes in today’s state primaries.

Here are some of the key races to watch:

Last minute dual Trump endorsements

Former President Donald Trump appears to be hedging his bets to ensure he’s backed winning candidates who will support his cause on ballots in November.

Trump took to Truth Social on Saturday night to endorse venture capitalist Blake Masters, who lost the U.S. Senate race in Arizona in 2022 to Democrat Mark Kelly, in the crowded GOP primary to replace outgoing Congresswoman Debbie Lesko in Congressional District 8.

But Trump had already pledged his support in that race to Abe Hamadeh, who narrowly lost a race for Arizona attorney general in 2022 and, like Trump, has promoted baseless claims of election fraud.

On social media Saturday evening, Trump said voters in the West Valley suburbs of Phoenix have “two spectacular America First Candidates” to choose from.

“I’m pleased to announce that both Blake Masters and Abe Hamadeh have my Complete and Total Endorsement,” Trump wrote.

The 11th hour dual endorsement of both candidates likely ensures Trump