Jeff Zink Claims Victory in Arizona GOP Primary
In a significant political development, pro-Trump Republican Jeff Zink emerged victorious in the recent primary for Arizona’s predominantly Democratic 3rd Congressional District.
Zink triumphed over Jesús David Mendoza, a 29-year-old software engineer and newcomer to politics, who campaigned as a more centrist alternative within the party.
The Political Landscape Ahead
This primary was critical as both Senate and House seats were contested in the southwestern region of the U.S., spotlighting key battlegrounds for the upcoming elections.
Zink had previously attempted to secure this congressional seat in 2022 but did not succeed. He garnered national attention as one of many attendees at former President Trump’s “Stop The Steal” rally on January 6, 2021, which later escalated into a violent insurrection at the Capitol.
General Election Challenges Persist
Despite his primary win, analysts consider Zink an underdog in this heavily Democratic district. The constituency is predominantly composed of Latino and Hispanic residents and covers substantial areas within Phoenix.
The Cook Political Report categorizes this district with a D+24 rating—making it one of Arizona’s most liberal electoral landscapes.
Transitioning Representation
This district is set to be vacated by current Representative Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) at year-end as he pivots his campaign toward seeking a Senate seat against Republican Kari Lake come November.
A New Contender Emerges
Gallego has been serving this district since early 2023 and previously represented Arizona’s 7th Congressional District beginning in 2015. The progressive military veteran is poised to be officially endorsed as the Democratic nominee succeeding Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), who has announced her intention not to run for re-election.
