Mark Lamb’s GOP rival pitches ‘America First’ agenda as controversy engulfs front-runner

As allegations of sexual impropriety and threats roil former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb’s congressional campaign, his Republican primary opponent is positioning himself as the “most effective pro-Trump candidate” in the race for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District.

Daniel Keenan, an East Valley homebuilder and political newcomer, told the KTAR News 92.3 FM AZ Political Podcast he is a lifelong resident of the district who founded his business there and created hundreds of jobs.

“I founded my own business in 2014 and I’ve been building homes ever since,” Keenan said. “I’ve worked for everything that I have in life. I know how to balance a budget. I know how to create jobs. I know how to push through regulations and simply just get the job done.”

Keenan is seeking the seat being vacated by U.S. Representative Andy Biggs, who is running for governor. First, Keenan needs to beat Lamb in the July 21 primary election.

The most recent polling shows Lamb with a commanding lead.

Last month, however, Lamb’s campaign was upended by an ongoing Arizona Republic investigation detailing allegations of sexting, threats and racist messages tied to Lamb, who holds President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

Keenan said he opted to make the controversy a centerpiece of his campaign, including screenshots published by The Republic in his first television ad.

“I think the allegations are serious,” Keenan said. “What I find most shocking is the fact, what the AZ Central uncovered is that Mark Lamb threatened police action to make these women not come forward. That’s not only wrong and abuse of power, it’s disqualifying.”

Keenan said he was particularly troubled by reports that Lamb shared nude photos of his wife with friends on Christmas Day.

“On a moral level, what I find most shocking is what they uncovered is that he was sending nude pictures, nude pictures of his significant other to his friends on Christmas, the day we all gather around as Christians with family and for Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior,” he said. “For someone who goes around and says, ‘God, family, freedom,’ I think that’s a slap in the face to any of us who really live by that.”

Keenan’s policy platform: All-in on Donald Trump

On policy, Keenan aligned himself closely with Trump.

He drew a contrast with Lamb on loyalty to the president, saying Lamb “abandoned” Trump after the 2020 election and told Congress there was no fraud in that race.

“There was a lot of fraud in the election,” said Keenan. “DOGE already uncovered that there was illegal aliens voting in our elections. Recorder (Justin) Heap here in Arizona uncovered that there was fraud going in … I think one person voting illegally in our elections is too many.”

Keenan also praised Trump’s border crackdown, opposed any pathway to citizenship for those in the country illegally, backed the president’s tariffs and supported the recent U.S. strikes on Iran.

“I trust him,” Keenan said of Trump.

Keenan outraises Lamb by writing his own checks

Keenan is largely self-funding his congressional bid, according to the Federal Election Commission. Daniel Keenan for Congress reported total receipts of $1.5 million in the latest filing, of which $1.4 million is a loan he made to the campaign.

Mark Lamb for Congress reported $760,000 in total receipts on top of a $40,000 personal loan.

KTAR News 92.3 FM reached out to Mark Lamb’s campaign for a response but did not hear back.

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