The three Republican candidates running for Congress in Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District shared the stage for the first time Tuesday night at the Chandler Republican Women’s monthly meeting.
Jay Feely, Travis Grantham, and Daniel Keenan each spoke briefly to introduce themselves then took turns answering questions from the event moderator and, to no one’s surprise, they largely agreed on the issues, competing largely to see who had the best claim to the MAGA and conservative lanes in their 2026 primary election.
All three proclaimed themselves Trump supporters from day one, all spoke out against career politicians and emphasized their support for citizen legislators, they all support tax cuts and spending discipline, as well as secure borders and other party litmus tests.
When asked which federal department was most in need of elimination or serious reform, Grantham said there were a lot of worthy candidates but the Department of Education, which he described as a money laundering operation, should be at the top of the list. Keenan agreed, while also mentioning other departments that qualified, and Feely said he would target the FBI.
Keenan, a homebuilder, stressed that District Five was his birthplace, and spent some time talking about housing availability and affordability. Interestingly, he admitted that he only started voting in 2016 and says that was because he was motivated by President Trump.
Grantham, an Air Force pilot, businessman, and former legislator, featured his legislative record as proof of his convictions, telling the voters in the room that they knew how he would be in Congress because they saw him stand up to the special interests and spending lobby at the Arizona State Capitol. He also felt that the national debt was the number one threat facing the country.
Feely, a former NFL kicker and sports broadcaster, said he was giving up millions of dollars in income to run for office, but that it was the right time for him to pursue public service. He also bragged about the support he was getting from prominent GOP Congressmen in Washington DC including US Rep Tom Emmer and US Rep Richard Hudson.
The Fifth District is currently represented by Andy Biggs and is reliably in the Republican column, making the winner of this primary a certain bet to represent Arizona in the next Congress.
Feely and Keenan may have futures in politics, but Travis Grantham has already proven himself as a conscientious lawmaker I can count on to take a principled position when things get messy, as politics frequently does. I can also rely on his experience to work the legislative process and bring good legislation to a vote. No on the job training for Travis.
All in for Travis Grantham.