Welcome to From the Politics Desk, your daily source for the latest insights and analysis from the NBC News political team, covering the White House, Capitol Hill, and election campaigns.
In today’s edition, Ben Kamisar highlights significant primary contests taking place in Arizona. Additionally, our White House team is analyzing a notable new phase in the ongoing Iran conflict affecting President Donald Trump.
Key Arizona Primaries to Watch
By Ben Kamisar
The primary season resumes in Arizona, where President Donald Trump’s unfounded claims of election fraud persist, nearly six years after his defeat by Joe Biden.
Key highlights include:
In the gubernatorial race, Congressman Andy Biggs leads the Republican primary against Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs. A prominent figure in the conservative House Freedom Caucus, Biggs is endorsed by Trump, and also faces off against Congressman David Schweikert.
Despite years of questioning the 2020 presidential election results, Biggs is now focusing on upcoming November matchups in critical battleground states, opting to downplay the election fraud narrative. Republicans are optimistic about their chances against Hobbs, deemed one of the most vulnerable governors up for re-election this year, but Democrats worry that Biggs’ allegiance with Trump could create challenges if he secures the nomination.
The Secretary of State race features two Republicans: state Rep. Alexander Kolodin and former state party chair Gina Swoboda, both looking to challenge Democratic incumbent Adrian Fontes. The victor is poised to play a crucial role in Arizona’s efforts for the 2028 presidential election.
Kolodin has been closely involved in the post-2020 election landscape shaped by Trump’s allies, gaining backing from Turning Point USA and several conservative Arizona legislators. Swoboda entered the race with prior support from Trump in her congressional campaign, despite his lack of formal endorsement in this race. She has publicly declared that the 2020 election was “blatantly stolen” during court proceedings and raised concerns about election administration.
In District 1, the leading Republican candidate for Schweikert’s seat is former NFL kicker Jay Feely, who enjoys Trump’s backing. The Democratic primary is more competitive, with former state Rep. Amish Shah and former journalist Marlene Galan-Woods vying for the nomination. Shah has garnered support from several former colleagues, including former Republican state House Speaker Rusty Bowers, while Galan-Woods benefits from endorsements from Sen. Mark Kelly, Attorney General Chris Mays, and Fontes. Her campaign has also received a boost from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which has worked with her on an advertising strategy.
Trump Faces Growing Uncertainties in Iran Conflict
By Peter Nicholas, Garrett Haak, Gordon Rubold, and Matt Dixon
The Iran conflict is entering a precarious and unpredictable phase, as President Donald Trump maintains that the U.S. has won the war while still ensuring military readiness to respond to threats against American lives.
Outraged by the recent deaths of U.S. service members, Trump has promised severe retaliation, raising concerns that the conflict could escalate without a clear resolution.
A senior White House official has characterized the current situation as one of “ambiguity,” with officials noting the fragility of a ceasefire established in April, now appearing to be on the brink of collapse, alongside a memorandum of understanding recently signed to end hostilities.
The intensifying conflict poses significant challenges for Trump, both domestically and abroad. The war he has initiated holds the potential to entangle the United States in a protracted military and political quagmire.
With a resilient adversary in the Iranian regime, their strategy may not require outright victory; they simply need to endure and continue resisting. As the conflict unfolds, it overlaps with the midterm election season, placing Trump in a precarious position with an American public increasingly demanding clarity on a path to resolution.
For more updates, stay tuned.
Today’s newsletter is edited by Adam Wolner and Annelise Hanson. Your feedback is welcome; reach out to us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com.
