As part of Arizona PBS’ ongoing “AZ Votes 2026” election coverage initiative, a series titled “Candidates in Conversation,” we were joined by Jay Feely, the Republican candidate for Arizona Congressional District 1. Feely discussed his candidacy, Arizona politics and issues in Arizona ahead of the November 2026 general election.
Amish Shah, the Democratic candidate, declined to join the conversation.
District 1 is the wealthiest congressional district in Arizona, and Feely says the top priorities for the community are affordability and the economy.
“You have to understand the voter. You have to understand where they’re at and then help them understand where we’re going and give them a roadmap to the future,” Feely said, referring to the conversations he has had with voters.
For Feely, the way to combat affordability is through real wage growth, an effort he says President Trump did in his first term and continues to do in his second. The next step is removing regulation, referring to regulation that has led to an increase in housing costs.
Regarding the impacts of Trump’s economic policies on voters in Congressional District 1, Feely says what matters is how it impacts the individuals; however, there are real policy changes that help the average worker.
“Ninety percent of the people who are benefiting from no tax on tips, who benefit from no tax on overtime, the majority of seniors who benefit from most of the taxes getting removed from Social Security,” Feely said. “Those help the average, everyday worker.”
Ahead of the Primary Election, there have been arguments made for and against mail-in voting. Feely says that mail-in voting is not a bad thing, but he wants to ensure that voting is secure so that only American citizens who are registered voters are the only ones casting a ballot.
“I want to focus on this election, on Nov. 3, and moving forward. And making sure, like I said, that people in Arizona and people around the country have confidence in their elections, and that we get them done quickly,” Feely said.
