By David Hawkins October 15, 2026
Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) is privately praising Trump-endorsed Republican Jay Feely in a competitive Arizona House race, telling business and political leaders she voted for him in the Republican primary and is likely to support him in November.
The former Democrat senator describes Feely as “commonsense” and a “fiscal conservative,” according to sources who spoke to Axios.
Her support puts Sinema and President Donald Trump on the same side of a consequential race as Republicans fight to retain their narrow House majority.
Sinema Praises Feely’s Approach to Arizona Water Crisis
Feely, a former NFL kicker, faces former state Rep. Amish Shah (D-AZ) for the seat being vacated by Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ).
Sinema lives and votes in the 1st Congressional District, where she retains political influence.
During informal gatherings over the past month, she has told business leaders, political figures, and allies that she has gotten to know Feely and his wife and likes the Republican candidate, according to two sources who heard the remarks.
One source told Axios that Sinema considers Feely the best candidate to address Arizona’s water challenges, including reductions in its allocation of Colorado River water.
Her comments include both her Republican primary vote and her likely support in the general election.
They do not constitute a formal campaign endorsement.
Former Democrat Breaks Further With Her Old Party
Sinema’s reported support comes less than four years after she left the Democratic Party.
She won election to the House as a Democrat in 2012 and to the Senate in 2018 before registering as an independent in December 2022.
Her departure followed clashes with Democrat leaders over major spending proposals and efforts to change Senate rules.
Now, her private advocacy could help Feely reach voters who have previously supported Democrats but favor fiscal restraint and candidates willing to challenge party leadership.
Shah has himself faced comparisons to Sinema because of his willingness to break with Democratic leaders during his time in the state Legislature.
Sinema has not immediately issued a public response to the Axios report.
Arizona Seat Could Help Decide House Control
Cook Political Report rates the open-seat contest as leaning Democratic, making it a critical defensive race for Republicans.
Before September, the seat has been considered a toss-up.
Arizona’s 1st and 6th congressional districts are among the contests that could determine which party controls the House after November 3.
Trump has formally endorsed Feely.
Sinema’s reported support gives the Republican candidate another potential opening with swing voters in a district both parties are fighting to win.
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