AZ Political Podcast: Chuck Coughlin predicts a bluer Arizona in 2026

2024’s Presidential Election might have been a mere hiccup in the march toward a bluer Arizona — because 2026’s Midterm Election will see more Democratic officeholders added to our state.

That’s the opinion of Highground Inc. President and CEO Chuck Coughlin, one of Arizona’s most-respected political consultants and my guest on this week’s AZ Political Podcast.

Chuck, who’s known for advising Republican governors and members of Congress (a guy I worked with on some campaigns back in the day), thinks not only will Democrat Katie Hobbs hang onto the Governor’s Office by beating Republican Andy Biggs this fall, he believes two Democrats will be added to Arizona’s Congressional delegation — which could have the effect of swinging the U.S. House to a Democratic majority.

If Chuck’s right, a Democrat will win the race for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District (AZ-01) — the seat being vacated by David Schweikert (Biggs opponent in the GOP Gubernatorial Primary). And they will reclaim Arizona’s 6th Congressional District (AZ-06) from incumbent Republican Juan Ciscomani.

Who does Chuck Coughlin think will win?

As to who those winning Dems will be, Chuck thinks after the July 21 Primary Election dust clears, Dr. Amish Shah and Marine Corps veteran JoAnna Mendoza will carry the Democratic banner into victory in AZ-01 and AZ-06, respectively.

And when it comes to the race for Arizona Governor, Chuck thinks the anti-Trump headwinds are too strong right now for the Trump-endorsed Biggs to overcome. Or, for that matter, Shweikert (the non-Trump-endorsed Republican). But Chuck says it could still be a fairly competitive race with lots of campaign spending — especially on attack ads.

In other words, buckle up for what could be a down-and-dirty election season. Something that, while not being very informative for voters or particularly good for our collective psyche, could prove to be very entertaining.

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