Trump Endorses Jay Feely in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District Race
Trump throws his full support behind former NFL kicker Jay Feely, praising the Republican candidate as a “TOTAL WINNER” for Arizona's 1st Congressional District.
WASHINGTON D.C. — **LEDE**Donald Trump endorsed Jay Feely, a former National Football League kicker seeking Arizona’s 1st Congressional District seat, calling him an “America First Patriot” in a post on Truth Social on July 10, 2026 at 4:19 PM ET.
**VERBATIM** Here is the full post on truthsocial: “It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Jay Feely, who is running to represent the wonderful people of Arizona’s 1st Congressional District! I know Jay well, and he is a TOTAL WINNER, on and off the field! A multiple-time winner of National Football League “Man of the Year” honors, Jay’s career was “loaded up” with Accolades and WINS. Jay has a great wife, Rebecca, and four beautiful children. In Congress, Jay will fight hard to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Jay Feely has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Arizona’s 1st Congressional District – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”, on Truth Social on July 10, 2026 at 4:19 PM ET.
**NARRATIVE** Trump laid out a policy agenda for the candidate that mirrors the priorities he has pressed across his political movement. He said Feely would work to grow the economy, cut taxes and regulations, and promote domestic manufacturing. Trump also tied Feely to a hard line on the border, immigration enforcement, energy production, and gun rights.
The endorsement folds a sports figure into a competitive congressional contest. Trump praised Feely’s football record, citing multiple National Football League “Man of the Year” honors and describing his career as “loaded up” with accolades. He added personal detail, naming Feely’s wife, Rebecca, and their four children.
The move carries stakes for both the candidate and the party. A Trump endorsement remains among the most sought-after assets in Republican primaries. The former president has used his platform to elevate contenders aligned with his agenda, and voters in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District will decide whether the backing translates into momentum at the ballot box.
**BUTTON** Trump’s turn to a sports figure for a congressional endorsement echoes a long pattern of athletes seeking office. Former NFL quarterback Jack Kemp served in the U.S. House from 1971 to 1989 before running as the Republican vice-presidential nominee in 1996 (see britannica.com). Ex-athletes across both parties have carried name recognition into campaigns, with mixed results at the polls. The athlete-to-Congress path has produced durable careers when candidates married celebrity to disciplined organizing. In the last 30 days, 95 of 500 Trump posts focused on elections.
Source: Zenger analysis
Note: Table generated by https://zenger.news on July 10, 2026 at 4:26 PM ET