Incumbent Rep. Greg Stanton secured his spot on the November ballot Tuesday in Arizona’s 4th Congressional District, defeating progressive challenger Kai Newkirk after a contentious primary campaign. The race was marked by sharp ideological differences, with Newkirk criticizing Stanton’s pro-Israel stance and ties to business interests.
Newkirk accused Stanton of being too aligned with pro-Israel policies and supporting aid to the country, as well as opposing efforts to restrict arms sales. Stanton, who has publicly supported a two-state solution and called for ceasefires, received support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. Stanton’s relationship with business groups was also a point of contention, with Newkirk portraying him as a typical corporate Democrat unlikely to push for systemic change.
Newkirk, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, criticized Stanton’s support for the 2025 Laken Riley Act, which allows for detention of immigrants charged with serious crimes. Despite Newkirk’s efforts, Stanton maintained his campaign, which focused on his record of supporting oversight of immigration enforcement and criticizing previous administrations’ immigration policies.
The primary race was marred by controversy for Newkirk, as some local Democratic groups rescinded endorsements amid allegations against a former campaign supporter. The Young Democrats of Arizona withdrew their backing over concerns related to a 2019 blog post accusing the candidate of misconduct, which Newkirk called defamatory. Despite the internal disputes, Stanton’s victory ensures he will face a strong lead in the general election, where he is considered a favorite to win a fifth term in Congress.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
