Jay Feely on Breaking Battlegrounds
Jay Feely spent 14 seasons kicking in the NFL, including four with the Arizona Cardinals. Now he’s the Republican nominee in one of Arizona’s most closely watched House races, and Breaking Battlegrounds has interviewed him twice along the way.
This page collects both Jay Feely interviews, from his first campaign in Arizona’s 5th District to his run as the GOP nominee in the 1st District, with the November 3, 2026 general election just ahead.
Who Is Jay Feely?
Jay Feely is a former NFL kicker and CBS Sports analyst running for Congress in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District. Over his 14-year career he played for seven teams, including four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, and made 82.6% of his field goal attempts, with a long of 61 yards.
He announced in April 2025 that he would run for the 5th District seat being vacated by Rep. Andy Biggs, who is running for governor. He described the decision as a calling to public service, saying he did not want politics to be a career. After President Trump endorsed former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb in the 5th District, Feely switched to the 1st District. Trump then endorsed him there.
In the July 21, 2026 primary, Feely won with about 49.8% of the vote, defeating former state Rep. Joseph Chaplik and businessman John Trobough. He also had the backing of the National Republican Congressional Committee. He faces Democratic nominee Amish Shah in November. The 1st District has no incumbent on the ballot, because Rep. David Schweikert ran for governor and lost the Republican primary.
Jay Feely's Appearances on Breaking Battlegrounds
Podcast 324: Water, the Colorado River, and the National Debt (September 2026)
In a podcast-exclusive segment, Feely joined Chuck Warren as the Republican nominee for Arizona’s 1st District. He discussed Arizona’s water concerns and the Colorado River negotiations, border security, housing affordability, and the national debt, and explained how water shortages could affect Arizona’s farmers, housing, and economic growth. He also covered the outlook for Social Security and Medicare, government spending, inflation, Trump Accounts, his economic differences with his Democratic opponent, and how his NFL career shaped his view of public service.
Also in this episode: columnist Brian McDonald on the new Greenland agreement and Heritage Foundation analyst Annie Chestnut Tutor on artificial intelligence.
Standing Against Political Violence (September 2025)
Then a candidate in Arizona’s 5th District, Feely joined Chuck and Sam in the studio to talk about the rise of political violence, Arizona’s energy future, and his campaign. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson opened the episode, and media insider Ken LaCorte and financial analyst Gary Gygi also appeared.
What Jay Feely Focuses On: Key Themes
- Arizona’s water future. Water conservation and the Colorado River are central to his campaign, with direct effects on farming, housing, and growth.
- Fiscal responsibility. He frames the national debt, Social Security, and Medicare as problems that need action now.
- Public service, not a career. He has said he sees office as a calling and does not want politics to become his career.
- Political violence and civility. He discussed the rise of political violence in his first appearance.
Related Arizona Episodes and Explainers
Follow Jay Feely
- Campaign website: com
- X and Instagram: @jayfeely
- Background: Jay Feely on Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jay Feely?
A former NFL kicker who played 14 seasons, including four with the Arizona Cardinals, and the 2026 Republican nominee for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District.
Which district is Jay Feely running in?
Arizona’s 1st Congressional District. He first ran in the 5th District, then switched.
Who is Jay Feely running against?
Democratic nominee Amish Shah, in the November 3, 2026 general election.
What did Jay Feely discuss on Breaking Battlegrounds?
Arizona’s water, the Colorado River, the national debt, Social Security, and political violence, across two episodes.
