Stanton fends off progressive House challenger in Arizona Democratic primary

Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton is projected to fend off a challenge from his left in a Tuesday primary in Arizona’s 4th Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Stanton easily defeated progressive organizer Kai Newkirk, who hammered the moderate over his acceptance of corporate donations as well as his vote in support of the Laken Riley Act last year.

The incumbent, who previously served as Phoenix mayor, is on track to easily hang onto his House seat in the blue district this fall. He will face off against Republican Zuhdi Jasser, who unsuccessfully sought the GOP nod in 2024.

Newkirk’s loss comes amid surging energy in the progressive wing of the party this primary cycle. A number of incumbents have been ousted by candidates to their left in the last month, including in New York and Colorado.

Yet, Newkirk, who organized the Democracy Spring sit-in at the U.S. Capitol in 2016, struggled to gain momentum in the Phoenix-area district, per The Arizona Republic.

He came under scrutiny in recent weeks after several organizations and figures pulled their endorsements in the wake of Graham Platner’s exit from the Maine Senate race amid sexual assault and misconduct allegations. The outlet reported that no allegations of wrongdoing have materialized against Newkirk.

Our Revolution, which was founded by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) backed Newkirk’s bid, while Stanton garnered support from American Israel Public Affairs Committee-aligned groups as well as Arizona Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D).

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