Mark Lamb wins AZ-5 Republican primary, will face newcomer Elizabeth Lee

Mark Lamb and Elizabeth Lee won their primaries Tuesday in the race to replace U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District.

Lamb snatched the Republican primary victory with 58.7% of the vote, while Lee won the Democratic primary with 64.4%, according to the Associated Press.

They will face each other in the Nov. 3 general election for the seat currently held by Biggs, a Republican who has represented the district since 2017 and is running for governor.

Arizona’s 5th Congressional District is a solidly Republican district covering much of the East Valley and parts of Pinal County. The Republican nominee is expected to be heavily favored in November, though Democrats have argued the open seat gives them a chance to compete.

GOP primary became contentious after allegations against Mark Lamb

The Republican primary was once viewed as a likely win for former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, who had the endorsement of President Donald Trump.

But the race became more contentious after The Arizona Republic published several stories detailing allegations involving Lamb, including claims of explicit messages, threats, racist messages and accusations that he used his law enforcement position to suppress allegations against him.

Lamb blamed his Republican primary opponent, Daniel Keenan, for the allegations becoming an issue in the race.

Keenan, meanwhile, pitched himself as the scandal-free alternative to Lamb while on KTAR News 92.3 FM’s AZ Political Podcast.

Despite the controversy, Lamb’s name recognition and Trump’s endorsement helped him secure the GOP nomination.

What’s next for winner of Democratic primary in CD-5?

Lee defeated two other primary opponents, Brian Hualde and Chris James.

After securing the nomination, Lee now faces an uphill battle in a district long held by Republicans. Biggs has repeatedly won reelection there by wide margins.

Still, the race drew attention because it is an open seat and because the GOP primary became more unpredictable in its final stretch.

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