Trump-backed Jay Feely, a 14-year NFL veteran, won the Republican nomination in Arizona’s highly competitive 1st Congressional District on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, defeating a former state representative.

Feely’s sports background played a crucial role in his campaign, attracting substantial donations from former colleagues and prominent sports owners. He received the maximum individual donation of $7,000 from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and Denver Broncos owner Rob Walton, according to OutKick.

Additional contributions came from Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank and Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. The Bidwill family, owners of the Arizona Cardinals, collectively donated $17,000, while the Haslam family, owners of the Cleveland Browns, topped the list with $20,000 in donations.

Support extended beyond owners; sports commentator and NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley donated, alongside former NFL players such as John Elway, Rich Gannon, Trent Green, Jeff Saturday, Todd Heap, Richie Incognito, and Brian Urlacher, as reported by Central Oregon Daily.

Arizona’s 1st District has been a swing district since 2009, alternating between Republican and Democratic representation. The incumbent, David Schweikert, who has held the seat since the 2023 redistricting, opted to run for governor but lost in the primary.

At his victory celebration, Feely stated, “It is a desire to leave this country better for our children and our grandchildren. That’s it at its core.”

Sources