Arizona congressman fends off anti-Israel challenger in Democratic primary

Rep. Greg Stanton is projected to beat progressive upstart Kai Newkirk in Arizona’s Democratic primary, fending off an opponent who had criticized Stanton for his pro-Israel stance and support from the AIPAC lobby.

Stanton will face off against Republican Zuhdi Jasser in the general election for Arizona’s fourth district, which covers parts of Phoenix and Maricopa County.

Stanton, 56, a four-term incumbent, voted against Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment to cut military aid to Israel last week. Newkirk criticized Stanton, saying that he would have voted for the amendment, and suggested that Stanton’s vote was the result of his support from AIPAC.

The activist and meditation teacher’s platform had included ending all military aid to Israel and imposing an arms embargo on the country, which he accuses of genocide.

According to the Arizona Republic, the Democratic Socialists of America had declined to back Newkirk and other anti-Israel progressives pulled support over unspecified concerns about his past behavior and relationships.

Elsewhere in the Grand Canyon State, US Rep. Andy Biggs, a fierce ally of President Donald Trump and former head of the House Freedom Caucus, won the Republican nomination for governor.

Biggs overwhelmingly defeated fellow US Rep. David Schweikert in the primary and will face Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs in what could be one of the closest governor races in November.

By choosing Biggs, who supported Trump’s failed attempt to block certification of his 2020 election loss, Republican voters risk nominating another conservative warrior who excites the party base but fails to win a general election by turning off independents. Although Republicans once dominated Arizona, Democrats now hold both US Senate seats and the top three state offices.