Trump-Backed Mark Lamb Triumphs in Arizona GOP Primary Amidst Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Mark Lamb, former sheriff, clinched a victory in Arizona's 5th Congressional District Republican primary, defying serious allegations of sexual misconduct that he has categorically denied.

This win positions Lamb to take over for outgoing GOP Rep. Andy Biggs, who has held the seat for five terms and is now vying for the Arizona governorship.

Lamb, sheriff of Pinal County from 2017 to 2024, outperformed construction business owner Daniel Keenan, who invested over $1.5 million into his campaign.

An investigation by the Arizona Republic revealed multiple women accusing Lamb of sending explicit messages and nude photos, employing threats to silence them, initiating sexual encounters involving his wife, and making a racist joke while endorsing derogatory comments in conversations with a border extremist. One woman claimed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints suppressed her complaints after she reported Lamb's alleged misconduct to church authorities.

Lamb's campaign has dismissed these allegations. In a Facebook post from May, his wife stated, "after all we've been through, a massive smear campaign is certainly not going to stop us from doing what's right."

Support from President Trump likely bolstered Lamb's campaign amid the scandal. Trump endorsed Lamb last year and urged one of his primary challengers, NFL veteran Jay Feely, to shift to another district. Feely subsequently moved to the 1st Congressional District. Earlier this month, Trump reaffirmed his endorsement, calling it his "great honor" to support Lamb.