Vulnerable Republican Dave Schweikert wins reelection in Arizona swing district

Rep. Dave Schweikert (R-Ariz.) is the projected winner of Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ.

Schweikert has represented parts of Phoenix and Scottsdale, Ariz., for over a decade, and on Tuesday defeated Democrat Amish Shah, earning him an eighth term in Congress.

Political observers considered the race to be one of the most competitive in the Grand Canyon State, as it represents a key swing district this cycle. The seat has been seen as a bellwether due to the area’s high percentage of college-educated suburban voters.

With former President Trump at the top of the Republican ticket, the incumbent received a boost of energy after narrowly winning reelection in the 2022 midterms. Ahead of the previous race, he moved from the state’s 6th Congressional District to the 1st Congressional District. 

Schweikert, 62, was also up against certain factors that could have worked against him, including an abortion measure on the ballot and controversy surrounding GOP Senate candidate Kari Lake. Pockets of the district 

In April, he joined other Arizona Republicans in denouncing the state Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold one of the country’s strictest abortion laws, calling the move “a step too far.” The group called on the state legislature to pass new abortions rights legislation.

The veteran lawmaker, first elected in 2010, received Trump’s nod in 2022, but ran without his backing in the 2024 race. He has also served in the state legislature and as Maricopa County treasurer.

The Hill/DDHQ labeled the district as “leaning Republican.”