Trump-backed sheriff wins Arizona primary despite scandal
Mark Lamb, the Trump-endorsed candidate for Arizona's 5th Congressional District, won Tuesday's Republican primary election despite facing allegations of years of sexual misconduct and abuse of power. The former Pinal County Sheriff, who served from January 2017 to December 2024, defeated homebuilder Daniel Keenan in a race where his opponent outspent him by a two-to-one margin.
The congressional seat became available after incumbent Andy Biggs, who has represented the district since his November 2016 election, won the Republican gubernatorial primary on July 21, defeating fellow U.S. Rep. David Schweikert. Biggs will face incumbent Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in November's general election.
Lamb competed in a crowded field of at least eight Republican candidates, including former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely and former state lawmaker Travis Grantham, before emerging victorious in the primary held under Arizona's new July election date. The state moved its primary from early August to July 21 through bipartisan legislation signed by Governor Katie Hobbs in February 2026 to give election officials more time to prepare general election ballots.
Allegations and Denials
The campaign was marred by controversy surrounding Lamb's personal conduct. According to reports by the Arizona Republic, Lamb and his wife Janel have been accused of being open about their sexual activity and partners with a close circle of friends, and allegedly shared intimate and provocative photos with others. The couple, who have five children and are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, face allegations that contradict Lamb's public image as an author who wrote about traditional values in modern society.
Jillian Stannard, a longtime friend of the couple, alleged that Lamb facilitated an affair between his wife and Stannard's husband, Matt Hilsabeck, one of Lamb's closest friends and the chairman of his campaign committee. Stannard claimed the relationship led to the collapse of her marriage and said the couple involved them in a broader circle of sexual partners.
Additional allegations include claims that Lamb exchanged flirtatious messages and explicit photos with several women. One woman said he sent intimate photos with messages suggesting they meet. A Colorado law enforcement officer alleged the pair discussed meeting for sex after connecting through his campaign's social media, with Lamb reportedly writing:
"I am totally okay with excessively flirty. Hahahah!! … You never have to worry about offending me."
The Arizona Republic's investigation also revisited allegations involving Tammy Peacock, who claimed she had a years-long affair with Lamb before her death in a 2021 car crash. Peacock alleged Lamb threatened legal action after she publicly discussed their relationship. According to reported messages, Lamb wrote, "Please just no more posting… I will call DPS," referencing the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and warned her that sharing intimate material could violate Arizona's revenge pornography law.
Campaign Response and Background
Lamb's attorneys have described the claims as false, baseless and harmful. A campaign spokesman characterized the allegations to the New York Times as lies and slanderous claims from long-discredited individuals. Former Arizona Supreme Court Justice Andrew Gould, now working on Lamb's campaign, dismissed the claims earlier this year, saying the rumors had circulated online for years and were repeated without verification, often to cause reputational and political harm.
During Lamb's reelection campaign for sheriff, opponents circulated flyers labeling him a sexual predator and pervert over similar accusations. Lamb has repeatedly denied he and his wife are swingers, telling the Phoenix New Times earlier this year that he is with one woman—his wife. Lamb did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Mail.
Lamb gained national recognition during his eight-year tenure as Pinal County Sheriff when his department was featured on A&E's reality television shows 60 Days In and Live PD. The latter program was canceled by A&E in June 2020 amid protests against police brutality following George Floyd's death and controversy over the destruction of footage showing the death of Javier Ambler in police custody.
This congressional run marks Lamb's second recent attempt at federal office. In 2024, he ran for U.S. Senate but lost in the Republican primary to Kari Lake.
In November, Lamb is expected to easily win the general election and be elected to Congress. Arizona's 5th Congressional District, which includes Gilbert, Queen Creek, southern and eastern Chandler, and eastern Mesa, covering eastern Maricopa County and northern Pinal County, is rated solid Republican by the Cook Political Report with an R+10 partisan voter index.
