Ex-NFL kicker Jay Feely, 2 GOP rivals debate for CD1 as early voting opens

A technology executive, a former NFL kicker and a state lawmaker will square off Wednesday night in a Republican primary debate for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, offering voters three different visions for a seat being vacated by Rep. David Schweikert, who is running for governor.

Voters can stream the debate live on KTAR News 92.3 FM’s YouTube channel at 6p.m. and listen to the debate on KTAR News 92.3 FM at 7 p.m.

The debate, hosted by the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission, comes the same day as early voting starts for the July 21 primary.

The suburban northeast Maricopa County district stretches from Scottsdale and Paradise Valley to Cave Creek and Fountain Hills. It is expected to be one of the most competitive general election seats in the country.

The candidates share broad conservative priorities

All three candidates back President Donald Trump’s agenda, support border security and describe themselves as pro-life.

John Trobough, a cybersecurity CEO and Stanford business school graduate, pitches himself as a “Ronald Reagan conservative” who would bring private-sector technology expertise to Washington. A former White House Presidential Innovation Fellow, Trobough emphasizes AI policy, Arizona’s growing semiconductor economy and affordability.

He is endorsed by the Arizona Police Association.

Jay Feely, who spent four of his 14 NFL seasons with the Cardinals, said the 2024 assassination attempt on Trump inspired him to enter public service.

Feely is the only CD1 candidate with a direct Trump endorsement. The president posted on Truth Social that Feely and then-candidate Gina Swoboda were “both fierce advocates of Make America Great Again.”

Feely originally planned to run in the East Valley’s 5th Congressional District but switched to CD-1 after Trump endorsed former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb in that race. His campaign leaned into issues including protecting women’s sports from transgender athletes and strengthening the U.S.-Israel relations.

Joseph Chaplik, the only candidate with elected experience, resigned his Arizona House seat in February for his federal bid. A founding member of the Arizona Freedom Caucus, Chaplik points to a legislative record heavy on election security and Second Amendment bills.

How the money stacks up

Federal Election Commission filings through March 31 show a wide fundraising gap in the race.

Feely leads with nearly $1.8 million in total receipts, powered by about $984,000 in individual contributions, roughly $158,000 from other committees and $5,000 from party committees. He is the only candidate in the field drawing institutional support.

He also received about $321,000 in transfers from other authorized committees. Feely reported $1.25 million cash on hand after loaning his campaign $330,000.

Trobough reported roughly $855,000 in total receipts, but the bulk of that, $678,800, came from personal loans to the campaign. Just under $90,000 came from individual donors with no committee or party support. He ended the period with $678,800 in outstanding debt to himself.

Chaplik reported about $417,000 in total receipts, including roughly $167,000 in individual contributions and a $250,000 candidate loan. He had about $266,000 cash on hand.

The next FEC filing data is released on July 15, just days before the July 21 primary election.

The winner will take on one of the four democratic newcomers who debated Tuesday night.

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