Former NFL player gets funding from sports notables, including Roger Goodell, for AZ primary race
Jay Feely, a veteran of fourteen seasons as an NFL kicker, won the Arizona Republican congressional primary Tuesday night. The race for the district covering parts of Phoenix and Scottsdale drew attention for its high-profile donor support. Feely secured the nomination after facing opponents who questioned his conservative credentials, though he maintained the backing of President Donald Trump throughout the process.
The campaign finance reports highlight significant backing from the professional sports industry. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reached the legal maximum contribution limit for individual donors. Several prominent team owners also provided financial support, including Michael Bidwill of the Arizona Cardinals, Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Falcons, and Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots. Other contributors from the ownership group included Stephen Ross of the Miami Dolphins and Rob Walton of the Denver Broncos.
Support for the campaign extended to former athletes as well. Former players and league figures such as John Elway, Trent Green, and Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher contributed to the effort. Charles Barkley also appeared on the donor list with a maximum contribution. These funds provided a boost for Feely in a race that saw millions of dollars spent on the Democratic side as both parties look toward the general election in November.
Feely emphasized his platform of leaving a better country for future generations during his victory speech. He noted his perspective on the ideological divide between the two parties, specifically addressing concerns regarding border policies and government spending. The district was once reliably Republican but has shifted over the past decade due to population growth and redistricting. Feely now moves to the general election, where he faces the winner of a competitive Democratic primary as the battle for this congressional seat continues.