As reported early by the Arizona Daily Independent, former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb has begun his campaign for Congress in Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, a seat currently held by Republican Andy Biggs.
After spending much of the year telling friends and supporters that he was pursuing business opportunities and was not interested in running for or serving in the US House, Lamb took on a different tone in the last two weeks, telling one audience that he felt Congress needed more “cowboy hats and belt buckles.”
Lamb, who was actually born in Hawaii, spent two terms as the Pinal County Sheriff where he developed a strong following on social media and national notoriety, thanks to numerous TV appearances.
He ran for US Senate in 2024 but was beaten in the Republican primary by Kari Lake. The primary was a relatively quiet affair that polls showed was never especially close, largely thanks to Lake’s endorsement from President Donald Trump. But it had its testy moments, including when Lamb accused Lake of attempting to bribe him out of the race by offering to land him a position in Trump’s cabinet. The two seemed to patch up with Lake speaking well of Lamb after the primary ended.
Lamb joins a race that has three other main contenders: Former NFL kicker Jay Feely, former MAGA State Representative Travis Grantham, and wealthy homebuilder Daniel Keenan.
Political experts believe Lamb starts his campaign in a very strong position and that he should command a large lead in polling, but most believed the race would tighten as the race’s new frontrunner has to deal with controversies related to business failings, family drama, and political positions he had taken in the past.
“Mark Lamb expects the Trump endorsement and if he gets it, the race is likely over regardless of any baggage.” said one Valley politico, “but if Trump stays on the sidelines and let’s this race play out, it could get interesting, especially if a wealthy MAGA guy like Keenan decides to run a real race, because Lamb has his vulnerabilities.”
I hope he wins
Go for it Mark! You now know, and have even more, campaign expertise. Your brand cachet is still fresh, positive, and in everyones’ minds. No time like the present.