Arizona Republican could open door to 'key swing district' for Dems

18 August

Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) Image via Wikimedia Commons

Rep. David Schweikert (R–Ariz.) is reportedly considering a bid for Arizona governor in 2026, potentially foregoing a run for re-election to the House.

According to journalist John Bresnahan, a decision is reportedly expected by the end of the month.

Schweikert currently represents Arizona’s 1st Congressional District — a region that covers parts of northern Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and Fountain Hills. While the district has long leaned Republican, recent redistricting and shifting suburban demographics have moved it closer to the political center, making it increasingly competitive.

If Schweikert steps aside, the seat would likely become a key battleground in the 2026 midterms, one that national Democrats could strongly target.

Bresnahan said in a post on the social platform X: "This is key swing district if Schweikert doesn’t run."

Schweikert’s district has seen tight races in recent cycles, with the margin of victory narrowing.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Arizona Republican was confronted in Phoenix by protestors wearing pajamas and sleep attire, according to a report by Phoenix New Times. This tongue-in-cheek wardrobe choice mocked Schweikert over his confession that he’d “fallen asleep" and missed a key vote on President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill" in May.

That very non-vote shifted the balance: the bill passed 215‑214. Yet Schweikert eventually cast his vote for the amended version that Trump signed into law.

In an interview at the time, Schweikert confirmed that he missed the vote on the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" because he fell asleep.

“It’s embarrassing,” he told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show in May.

Schweikert, chair of the Joint Economic Committee, said he’d been negotiating the bill for “36 straight hours” before he went down the hall to change his shirt.