Staff Reports
Abe Hamadeh has pulled off a notable victory in a crowded GOP primary to succeed Rep. Debbie Lesko in Arizona’s solidly Republican 8th District. Despite a last-minute endorsement from former President Donald Trump for his rival, Blake Masters, Hamadeh clinched the win with 29.8% of the vote. Masters, who previously fumbled his Senate bid in 2022, trailed slightly behind at 25.3%. Former Rep. Trent Franks and state Assembly Speaker Ben Toma rounded out the pack with 16.5% and 21.2%, respectively, proving that political scandals and past endorsements might not have as much sway as some would hope.
Hamadeh is no stranger to the political arena, having previously challenged for the attorney general role last year. Remarkably, he had been the only candidate in this primary to snag a Trump endorsement before the former president decided to double down with a last-minute dual endorsement for both candidates. The grand gesture might’ve been intended to quell any intra-party skirmishes, but in the end, it looks like Hamadeh’s previous endorsement and appeal as a “fearless fighter for election integrity” resonated more with the voters than a few last-minute talking points about Masters’ business success.
Hamadeh wins competitive GOP primary to replace Rep. Debbie Lesko in Arizona https://t.co/Ki5hpDZNjH
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 1, 2024
In the world of politics, what can often be a messy reality check, Hamadeh’s victory serves to remind everyone involved that endorsements are not a one-way ticket to success. Both he and Masters had their fair share of Trump’s backing last election cycle but ended their respective campaigns empty-handed. Notably, Hamadeh has aired some strong opinions about election integrity, claiming the 2020 U.S. elections were manipulated, setting himself up as a champion for change.
Interestingly enough, neither Hamadeh nor Masters even resides in the 8th Congressional District they aimed to represent, with both opting to set up camp over an hour’s drive away. Masters calls Tucson home, while Hamadeh is based in Scottsdale. One has to wonder if the voters noticed this detail—after all, it can be hard to represent a constituency when you’re not exactly part of it. It raises questions about who’s really speaking for the people versus who just wants to collect a paycheck.
Financially, the disparity between the candidates is remarkable. Masters went all-in, loaning himself millions, whereas Hamadeh was more modest in his spending, sourcing a good share from his own pocket as well. This light-footed approach may not drag down Hamadeh’s chances as he now goes up against Democrat Gregory Whitten in November, where him being the front-runner in a district known for its Republican loyalties, becomes a lead-in to what appears to be a forthcoming victory. With Hamadeh’s brand of fierce loyalty to party ideals and a sprinkle of Trump-esque bravado, it looks like Arizona’s 8th District will continue to wear its red stripes proudly.
