
Hamadeh Defeats Masters In Contentious Arizona Primary Battle
Abe Hamadeh defeated Blake Masters in the Republican primary for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, emerging from a fiercely competitive race. Hamadeh, a former Maricopa County prosecutor, secured the nomination with a narrow lead, positioning himself for the upcoming general election.
Having narrowly lost the 2022 Attorney General race to Democrat Kris Mayes by less than 300 votes, Hamadeh entered the primary with significant momentum. Despite the contentious nature of the race, he managed to outperform Masters by a few thousand votes.
The primary drew considerable attention, especially after former President Donald Trump endorsed both Hamadeh and Masters as the preferred candidates for the MAGA movement. In his endorsement on Truth Social, Trump praised both candidates, saying, “In Congress, we need a true Warrior who will work tirelessly with us to Grow our Economy, Stop Inflation, Secure our Border, End Migrant Crime, Support our Great Military/Vets, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”
Polls indicated a tight race, with Hamadeh and Masters frequently trading places at the top. The final unofficial results showed Hamadeh with 29.83% of the vote, Masters with 25.32%, and Arizona State House Speaker Ben Toma in third place with 21.23%. Former Congressman Trent Franks secured 16.54%, placing fourth.
Hamadeh’s victory came despite concerns about a potential last-minute surge from Trump-skeptical Toma, who was seen as a possible upset contender. However, Hamadeh’s ability to consolidate support proved decisive.
Looking ahead, Hamadeh’s campaign will focus on the priorities outlined in Trump’s endorsement, including economic growth, border security, and veterans’ support. His ability to appeal to a wide range of voters within the district will be crucial as he prepares for the general election.
Hamadeh’s win underscores the continued influence of Trump’s endorsements in Republican primaries and sets the stage for a significant contest in the 8th Congressional District this November.