Arizona Republican state lawmaker enters race for Rep. David Schweikert’s seat in Congress

PHOENIX – Republican Arizona state Rep. Joseph Chaplik has joined next year’s hotly contested race for U.S. Rep. David Schweikert’s seat in Congress.

“Arizona needs a strong conservative voice in Washington — someone who will stand tall in D.C. and has been battle-tested to fight reckless spending and put the people ahead of special interests,” Chaplik said Monday in a press release announcing his candidacy.

Chaplik, who has private sector experience in commercial real estate and telecommunications, is in his third term in the state House, where he represents District 3.

Today, I announce my candidacy in #AZ01.
AZ needs a battle-tested conservative to fight reckless spending, make communities safe, secure the border and put the people ahead of special interests. I’ve done it at the State Capitol. I'll take the fight to DC. https://t.co/9xMK85IfS7 pic.twitter.com/rBgJsSea5T

— Rep. Joseph Chaplik 🇺🇸 (@JosephChaplik) December 15, 2025

“As a businessman and a conservative, I know what it takes to balance a budget, to fight for families and small businesses, and to uphold the freedoms that make Arizona and America great. I look forward to continuing Trump’s America First policy fight in Congress,” said Chaplik, who lives in Scottsdale with his wife and two children.

Schweikert is leaving Congress after eight terms to run for governor in 2026. As of Thursday morning, a total of 23 candidates had filed statements of interest to run for his 1st Congressional District seat.

Who is Rep. Joseph Chaplik’s top competition?

Chaplik, vice chair of the Arizona Freedom Caucus, is one of 10 potential CD1 candidates on the Republican side — and one of the most prominent.

His endorsement list includes 18 current or former state lawmakers as well as Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan and Recorder Justin Heap.

Chaplik’s top competition in the Republican primary will likely come from outgoing Arizona Republican Party Chair Gina Swoboda, who entered the race in October with President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

The Democratic field includes former nominee Amash Shah, who lost to Schweikert 52%-48% in 2024, and Marlene Galán-Woods, who finished third in the last primary.

CD1, which covers much of the northeast Valley, including north Phoenix, Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Fountain Hills, leans slightly Republican but is one of the state’s most competitive districts.

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