What happened on primary election night 2026

What happened on primary election night 2026

Author: The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com July 22, 2026 Duration: 24:28
Early tallies for the midterm primaries show that Arizona Republicans have put their trust in MAGA-style candidates for the top three spots on the November ballot. For the most part, the primary races were decided soon after an unexpectedly smooth election day. Voting in Maricopa County, a hotbed for election denialism and backbiting over election responsibilities, went off without any major glitches. This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by fellow Arizona Republic politics reporters for initial thoughts on midterm primary night 2026. Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Stacey Barchenger, Laura Gersony Hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ron Hansen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Stephanie Murray Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda Luberto⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every Wednesday morning, The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast cuts through the noise to focus on a single issue shaping life in the state. Hosted by The Arizona Republic’s national political reporters Ron Hansen and Stephanie Murray, and produced by Amanda Luberto, this isn't just a recap of headlines. Instead, the conversation goes deeper with a guest-a politician, a journalist, or another key public figure-to unpack the real-world implications of a policy, a vote, or a debate. You’ll hear how decisions made at the capitol or in city halls ripple out to affect communities, schools, and wallets. The discussion is grounded in the expertise of the Republic’s newsroom, offering clarity and context that’s often missing from the daily churn. For anyone trying to understand the forces directing Arizona’s future, this weekly podcast provides an essential, focused look at the mechanics of state politics and government, making the complex both accessible and relevant. It’s a straightforward guide to what’s happening, who’s involved, and why it all matters for your day-to-day.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast
Podcast Episodes
What Mark Lamb's scandal means for the future of CD5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:24
Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb is running for Congress with the coveted endorsement from President Donald Trump. Generally, this is a sure fire way to win the election. But Lamb is facing an uphill battle after an…
Outspoken: America's deep Latin roots are connected to Spanish support [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:41
Few of us ask what the words of the Declaration of Independence actually meant to the men who wrote them — or how much help they had from places like Havana and Madrid. Renowned author and historian Felipe Fernández‑Arm…
Outspoken: In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was breaking news [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:56
Most of us picture the Declaration of Independence as a faded parchment under glass, guarded in the National Archives and summoned for big speeches every Fourth of July. how the news of its signing actually reached the p…
Don Bolles’ legacy and press violence today [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:18
50 years ago, a bomb exploded underneath the car of Arizona Republic investigative reporter Don Bolles outside the Clarendon Hotel, where he was set to meet a source. He was mostly known during his life for exploring and…
BONUS: The Republicans running for Arizona's CD 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:34
Republican Congressman David Schweikert has held his seat in Congressional District 1 since 2010, but this year, he's leaving the seat open to run for Governor. Republicans are desperate to keep it for their party. A few…
Outspoken: Why the Declaration of Independence is still "radical" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:47
For some, the words on the Declaration of Independence can only be described as "radical." Rev. Byron Williams argues that the promise of a sovereign government is still reshaping global politics and moral imagination 25…
Why the Hobbs-Mayes feud could hurt Democrats in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:27
Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes are supposed to be on the same team. They're both Democrats in Arizona seeking reelection this November, trying to not only keep their seats but also keep Arizona's purple…
BONUS: The Democrats running for Arizona's CD 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:04
Editor's Note: Since this podcast was recorded, candidates Victor Weintraub and Mark Robert Gordon have withdrawn from the race. Arizona Democrats have spent much of the past 16 years plotting how to oust Republican Cong…