Arizona's 5th Congressional District election, 2026 (August 4 Democratic primary)

← 2024
Arizona's 5th Congressional District
Democratic primary Republican primary General election
Election details
Filing deadline: April 6, 2026
Primary: August 4, 2026 General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voting in Arizona
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Republican DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Solid Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
Arizona's 5th Congressional District 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th • 9th Arizona elections, 2026 U.S. Congress elections, 2026 U.S. Senate elections, 2026 U.S. House elections, 2026 Alabama U.S. House racesAlaska U.S. House raceArizona U.S. House racesArkansas U.S. House racesCalifornia U.S. House racesColorado U.S. House racesConnecticut U.S. House racesDelaware U.S. House raceFlorida U.S. House racesGeorgia U.S. House racesHawaii U.S. House racesIdaho U.S. House racesIllinois U.S. House racesIndiana U.S. House racesIowa U.S. House racesKansas U.S. House racesKentucky U.S. House racesLouisiana U.S. House racesMaine U.S. House racesMaryland U.S. House racesMassachusetts U.S. House racesMichigan U.S. House racesMinnesota U.S. House racesMississippi U.S. House racesMissouri U.S. House racesMontana U.S. House racesNebraska U.S. House racesNevada U.S. House racesNew Hampshire U.S. House racesNew Jersey U.S. House racesNew Mexico U.S. House racesNew York U.S. House racesNorth Carolina U.S. House racesNorth Dakota U.S. House raceOhio U.S. House racesOklahoma U.S. House racesOregon U.S. House racesPennsylvania U.S. House racesRhode Island U.S. House racesSouth Carolina U.S. House racesSouth Dakota U.S. House raceTennessee U.S. House racesTexas U.S. House racesUtah U.S. House racesVermont U.S. House raceVirginia U.S. House racesWashington U.S. House racesWest Virginia U.S. House racesWisconsin U.S. House racesWyoming U.S. House raceSubmit

A Democratic Party primary takes place on August 4, 2026, in Arizona's 5th Congressional District to determine which Democratic candidate will run in the district's general election on November 3, 2026.

Candidate filing deadline	Primary election	General election
April 6, 2026	August 4, 2026	November 3, 2026

A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Arizona utilizes a semi-closed primary system. Unaffiliated voters may choose which party's primary they will vote in, but voters registered with a party can only vote in that party's primary.

For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

This page focuses on Arizona's 5th Congressional District Democratic primary. For more in-depth information on the district's Republican primary and the general election, see the following pages:

• Arizona's 5th Congressional District election, 2026 (August 4 Republican primary)
• Arizona's 5th Congressional District election, 2026

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

• Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
• Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies
  

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Arizona District 5

The following candidates are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Arizona District 5 on August 4, 2026.

		Candidate
		Blake Bracht
		Brian Hualde
		Chris James
		Elizabeth Lee
		Evan Olson
		Justin Poff

---

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Blake Bracht

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I am a husband, father, and attorney living in San Tan Valley, Arizona. I have practiced law since 2022 and have represented a wide range of clients across multiple areas of state and federal law. I am most proud of my work representing individuals and small businesses with their everyday legal issues. My wife, Allyson, and I recently welcomed our first child, Charlotte."

---

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

---

Cost of living is consistently a top issue for voters, regardless of party affiliation, and for good reason - the once-basic promises of owning a home, saving for retirement, and starting a family feel out of reach for average people, especially young people entering the workforce. There are several policy changes we can make at the federal level to turn this trend around, like banning corporations from buying up single-family homes, closing tax loopholes that allow the ultra-wealthy to pay little to no income tax, raising marginal tax rates for the highest-income individuals and corporations, and giving tax breaks and credits to the wage earners who ultimately fuel economic growth.

---

Healthcare in this country needs a complete overhaul. According to a 2025 survey by KFF, over one-third of Americans reported avoiding healthcare in the past year due to cost. That same survey found that just under half of Americans found it difficult to pay for healthcare costs. The American healthcare system is a swamp of private insurers with a profit incentive to deny claims, for-profit hospital systems with no price transparency, and patchwork legislation that fails to cover the gaps. There is a clear solution: Medicare for All. Universal healthcare is projected to be cheaper for average families and for the nation as a whole, in addition to being simply the right thing to do.

---

Hardworking immigrants from around the world have come to the United States seeking freedom and opportunity for generations. Instead of honoring that legacy, some politicians blame the nation's problems on people seeking the American Dream to distract from their own refusal to make the economy work for the people. Immigrants are not political scapegoats to use when politically convenient - they are people who deserve dignity, respect, and an efficient legal process to enter the United States, join the workforce, and become citizens. Instead of spending billions to expel immigrants, let's make a clear path to citizenship for those brought here as children and those already here with no criminal record so we can grow the economy.

Brian Hualde

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "My name is Brian Hualde, and I’m proud to be a fourth-generation Arizonan, born and raised in Phoenix. I come from a family rooted in resilience—my great grandparents immigrated to Arizona from the Basque region of Spain in search of opportunity and a better life. Their values of hard work, service, and community still guide me today. I spent my early years in central and northern Arizona, graduating from Prescott High School before attending Northern Arizona University. Like many young Americans, I felt a deep call to serve and left college to enlist in the United States Army. I served honorably as a medic and deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where I gained firsthand insight into leadership, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit. After my military service, I returned to NAU to complete my undergraduate studies, where I also met my wife. Together, we’ve built a life centered around family, community, and service. I pursued a Master’s Degree from the University of South Alabama while working as a nurse and raising our young children. Our journey took us from Peoria to East Mesa, where we’ve lived since 2020. Today, we are the proud parents of six amazing kids who keep us busy and inspired—especially through their love of sports. Throughout my life, I’ve paid close attention to politics, but the increasing polarization and division in recent years compelled me to take action."

---

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

---

Every family deserves access to affordable healthcare and life-saving medications. Prescription drug prices are out of control, and most hardworking Americans don’t have the kind of insurance that shields them from those costs. I believe in holding pharmaceutical companies accountable and ensuring Medicaid and healthcare access remain available for vulnerable families. This isn’t about politics—it’s about preserving lives, cutting red tape, and putting Americans first. On abortion: as a Christian and father of six, I understand the weight of that decision. While I’ve never had to face it, I believe it’s not the government’s role to interfere in private medical decisions. That should remain between a patient and their doctor

---

Strong families start with strong schools. Our public education system is underfunded and overburdened. Teachers are stretched thin and kids are falling behind. I support early childhood education, fair teacher pay, and local control of schools so parents and communities—not bureaucrats—make the decisions that shape their children’s future. Cutting education hurts our economy and our kids’ ability to succeed.

---

Conservation isn’t a partisan issue—it’s a responsibility. As Arizonans, we value our open lands, clean air, and water. I support balanced energy policies that promote innovation, protect public lands, and secure our environment for future generations. Climate change is real, and we should be leading—not lagging—when it comes to renewable energy and sustainable job creation. Protecting the land we love is a conservative value too.

Chris James

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Chris James is a nationally recognized economic strategist, small business advocate, and dedicated public servant – but before any of that, he was a kid growing up in rural America. In his close-knit community, where every dollar mattered, Chris learned the power of perseverance, faith, and service. His parents embodied entrepreneurial spirit—running a small business while his father farmed the land and taught choir—his grandmother curated handcrafted goods in her craft shop on the Qualla Boundary, ancestral home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and his grandfather served with compassion as a Methodist minister. From them, Chris inherited a deep respect for hard work and a relentless commitment to family, heritage, and community – values that continue to define every chapter of his life. Today, Chris lives in Gilbert, Arizona, where he and his wife, Piret, have raised their three children - all proud graduates of Gilbert Public Schools and now enrolled in college, including one at Arizona State. He’s running for Congress in Arizona’s 5th District because he believes our country needs more leaders who listen, lead with integrity, and focus on solutions—not soundbites. In a time when families are being divided by politics, Chris believes we deserve leaders who unite rather than inflame, and who are more interested in fixing problems than scoring cheap soundbite points."

---

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

---

Educating for the Future: As a proud father of three students who graduated from Gilbert public schools and are now financing their college educations with student loans, Chris understands firsthand that education is the key to long‑term economic success— not just for families, but for our entire region. From early childhood through higher education and workforce training, he believes every student in Arizona’s 5th District deserves access to high‑quality, affordable learning opportunities. And every educator deserves the support necessary to deliver an excellent education.

---

Jobs & Economic Growth & Community Resilience: Building a resilient economy that works for every community—from small businesses and startups to tribal nations, manufacturing hubs, retirees, and our frontline first responders. Chris James believes a strong economy is built on opportunity, collaboration, and respect for all stakeholders. He will cut bureaucratic barriers and champion public‑private partnerships that leverage private innovation and public support to drive local growth.

---

Healthcare & Protecting Our Seniors: When Chris James’s father suffered a massive stroke, he witnessed Medicare’s 1960s‑era framework buckle under modern demands—drowning in paperwork, fighting coverage denials, and watching a lifetime of savings vanish in medical bills. No Arizonan should have to choose between their health and their financial security. As your Congressman, Chris will bring common‑sense, fiscally responsible reforms that modernize care, protect personal choice, and deliver high‑quality services without breaking the bank.

Elizabeth Lee

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I’m Elizabeth Lee -- a nurse, patient advocate, and mom running to be the first woman to represent Arizona’s 5th Congressional District. My life’s work has been standing up for families, fighting for better healthcare, and making broken systems work for the people they are supposed to serve. Washington doesn’t need more career politicians. It needs leaders who know what it means to fight for every breath, every paycheck, and every ounce of dignity. That’s why I’m running, and that’s why I’m ready to serve."

---

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

---

I know firsthand that healthcare is not a privilege but a human right. I grew up battling a mysterious illness that went undiagnosed for years, and it was only after becoming a nurse that I began to crack my own medical mystery. That experience shaped my life and ignited my determination to fight for every patient who has been overlooked, dismissed or priced out of care. As a board-certified Reproductive Health and Infertility Nurse and a board-certified Patient Advocate, I have stood with families navigating impossible choices between treatment and survival. In Washington I will fight to guarantee that no one is left behind, no child denied care and no family bankrupted for the right to live.

---

I am the product of public schools, and I know the power of a strong education system to shape lives and communities. But our state ranks near the bottom in funding, and too often taxpayer dollars are siphoned into private schools that face no transparency or accountability. Every child, regardless of zip code or family income, deserves access to safe classrooms, qualified teachers and the resources they need to succeed. Public dollars belong in public schools, and I will fight in Washington to ensure Arizona invests in its students instead of subsidizing unregulated private institutions.

---

Across this country families are being crushed by a housing crisis that shows no sign of slowing. Rents are skyrocketing, home ownership feels out of reach and even families working two jobs can’t keep a roof over their heads. A major driver of this crisis is corporations and private equity firms buying up homes, inflating prices and treating shelter like a commodity instead of a basic human need. We must reject a system that rewards greed over stability and take bold steps to make housing affordable again. In Washington I will fight to curb corporate control of real estate and put the dream of safe, affordable housing back within reach for Arizona families.

Evan Olson

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I am a level-headed, natural leader, that is educated in governmental policy, who believes in the people, the citizens of the United States, not any one person or party. I believe that the majority of us know what is right, what is wrong, and what is needed to help our struggling nation. My mission is to be a true representative for the people, not a puppet for the wealthy and powerful to manipulate. I will introduce legislation to END the CORRUPTION of MONEY in our politics, fund our K-12 Education properly, ban private equity corporations from buying single family houses to help make housing more affordable, and fight to keep civil liberties such as, affordable healthcare, affordable housing, and personal civil rights no matter who you are."

---

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

---

Healthcare For ALL- End subsidies for Big Pharma & Insurance Companies. Negotiate lower prescription drug prices. Guarantee coverage for all Americans regardless of their financial situation.

---

Save The Housing Market - Make it illegal for Private Equity Firms & Corporations to buy single family homes. Initialize incentives for local builders to build affordable housing under $250k. End predatory rental fee increases and collaboration betweem landlords. Give 1st time home buyers up to $25k in down-payment assistance.

---

End the corruption of money in politics - Move to publicly funded elections with a government match. Implement 12yr term limits across the board for Federal office. End the revolving door for Congress & outlaw personal sto k trading while in office.

Justin Poff

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I’m a lifelong Arizonan—born in Phoenix, raised in Wickenburg, and now living in Mesa. Growing up in a small, conservative town shaped my ability to engage respectfully across political divides. Civil discourse has been part of my life from the beginning, and I believe it’s essential to rebuilding trust in our democracy. My Progressive values were shaped by lived experience as a member of the working class. I’ve felt the pressure of rising costs, stagnant wages, and systems that overlook ordinary people. These realities drive my commitment to fairness, transparency, and practical solutions that reduce suffering and expand opportunity. Professionally, I’ve built systems that empower others—whether through training or process design. I value clarity, accountability, and outcomes over ideology. I believe legislation should be lean, measurable, and focused on improving lives. I’m motivated by a desire to make government more responsive and rooted in lived experience. I believe in the dignity of work, the power of community, and the importance of listening—especially to those most affected by public policy"

---

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

---

We must overturn Citizen's United through a coalition between likeminded elected officials and community organization.

---

We need to prioritize legislation that halts the rising cost of living, such as rent-freezing measures, anti-price gouging reforms, and pricing transparency on corporate goods.

---

We must create and pass Universal Healthcare. Profits don't belong in the conversation of one's health.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Arizona

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.

Campaign finance

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Blake Bracht	Democratic Party	$5,011	$4,437	$573	As of September 30, 2025
Brian Hualde	Democratic Party	$2,750	$287	$2,463	As of September 30, 2025
Chris James	Democratic Party	$59,989	$18,313	$41,675	As of September 30, 2025
Elizabeth Lee	Democratic Party	$13,102	$7,235	$5,867	As of September 30, 2025
Evan Olson	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Justin Poff	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). * According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." ** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election. *** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

District analysis

This section will contain facts and figures related to this district's elections when those are available.

Ballot access

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in Arizona in the 2026 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Arizona, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2026
State	Office	Party	Signatures required	Filing fee	Filing deadline	Source
Arizona	U.S. House	Democrat	1/2 of 1% of the total qualified signers in the state as of January 2, 2026	N/A	4/6/2026	Source
Arizona	U.S. House	Republican	1/2 of 1% of the total qualified signers in the state as of January 2, 2026	N/A	4/6/2026	Source
Arizona	U.S. House	Libertarian	1/2 of 1% of the total qualified signers in the state as of January 2, 2026	N/A	4/6/2026	Source
Arizona	U.S. House	Unaffiliated	3% of the total registered voters who are not members of a political party that is qualified for representation as of January 2, 2026	N/A	4/6/2026	Source

See also

• Arizona's 5th Congressional District election, 2026 (August 4 Republican primary)
• Arizona's 5th Congressional District election, 2026
• United States House elections in Arizona, 2026 (August 4 Democratic primaries)
• United States House elections in Arizona, 2026 (August 4 Republican primaries)
• United States House Democratic Party primaries, 2026
• United States House Republican Party primaries, 2026
• United States House of Representatives elections, 2026
• U.S. House battlegrounds, 2026

External links

Suggest a link

• Search Google News for this topic

Footnotes

[show]

Arizona's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Ruben Gallego (D)

Mark Kelly (D)

Representatives

District 1

David Schweikert (R)

District 2

Eli Crane (R)

District 3

Yassamin Ansari (D)

District 4

Greg Stanton (D)

District 5

Andy Biggs (R)

District 6

Juan Ciscomani (R)

District 7

Adelita Grijalva (D)

District 8

Abraham Hamadeh (R)

District 9

Paul Gosar (R)

Republican Party (6)

Democratic Party (5)

2025-2026 Elections to the United States Congress

Senate by State

Alabama • Alaska • Arkansas • Colorado • Delaware • Florida (special) • Georgia • Idaho • Illinois • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Montana • Nebraska • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • North Carolina • Ohio (special) • Oklahoma • Oregon • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Virginia • West Virginia • Wyoming

---

House by State

Alabama • Alaska • American Samoa • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Guam • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Northern Mariana Islands • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • U.S. Virgin Islands • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming

---

Election information

Ballot access for major and minor party candidates • List of candidates running for election • List of congressional challengers • Congressional incumbents not running for re-election

---

Super PACs/Organizations

American Bridge 21st Century • American Crossroads • American Unity PAC • Campaign for Primary Accountability • Club for Growth Action • Congressional Leadership Fund • Cooperative of American Physicians IE Committee• Crossroads Generation • Ending Spending Action Fund • Endorse Liberty • Fair Share Action • FreedomWorks for America • Government Integrity Fund • House Majority PAC • Independence USA Fund • League of Conservation Voters • Liberty for All PAC • Majority PAC • National Association of Realtors • NEA Advocacy Fund • Now or Never PAC • Planned Parenthood Votes • Ready for Hillary • Republicans for a Prosperous America • Restore America's Voice PAC • SEIU Pea-Federal • Women Vote!

Ballotpedia

About

Overview • What people are saying • Support Ballotpedia • Contact • Contribute • Job opportunities

---

Executive: Leslie Graves, Founder and CEO • Gwen Beattie, Chief Operating Officer

Communications: Alison Graves, Director of Communications • Carley Allensworth • Abigail Campbell • Frank Festa • Sarah Groat • Nathaniel Harwood • Dillon Redmond
External Relations: Geoff Pallay, Director of External Relations • Ken Carbullido, Vice President of Election Product and Technology Strategy • Ashley Fleming • Thomas Mardik • Hannah Nelson
Operations: Meghann Olshefski, Director of Operations • Amanda Herbert • Mandy Morris • Caroline Presnell • Kelly Rindfleisch
Tech: Matt Latourelle, Director of Technology Operations • Ryan Burch • Kirsten Corrao • Beth Dellea • Travis Eden • Tate Kamish • Margaret Kearney • Eric Lotto • Joseph Sanchez • Mary Susmitha

Contributors: Scott Rasmussen

---

Editorial Content

Josh Altic, Director of Content • Daniel Anderson, Associate Director of Elections & Data • Cory Eucalitto, Associate Director of Features • Ryan Byrne, Managing Editor of Ballot Measures • Mandy McConnell, Managing Editor of News • Doug Kronaizl, Managing Editor of Local Expansion • Abbey Smith, Managing Editor of Elections • Janie Valentine, Managing Editor of Law • Joel Williams. Managing Editor of Events • Andrew Bahl • Jaclyn Beran • Marielle Bricker • Joseph Brusgard • Emma Burlingame • Kelly Coyle • Jon Dunn • Victoria Edwards • Thomas Ellis • Nicole Fisher • Joseph Greaney • Thomas Grobben • Brianna Hosea • Molly Kehoe • Tyler King • Glorie Martinez • Norm Leahy, Senior Editor • Nathan Maxwell • Jimmy McAllister • Brandon McCauley • Ellie Mikus • Ellen Morrissey • Mackenzie Murphy • Kaley Platek • Samantha Post • Adam Powell • Annelise Reinwald • Ethan Rice • Spencer Richardson • Victoria Rose • Briana Ryan • Myj Saintyl • Maddy Salucka • Emma Soukup • Alexis Thacker • Mina Vogel • Samuel Wonacott • Trenton Woodcox