Republican Jay Feely and Democrat Dr Amish Shah clashed over the economy, healthcare and immigration during their first and only debate for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District.
The forum, held on Wednesday evening and organised by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission, brought sharply contrasting visions for the open House seat, which is being closely watched as a potential factor in control of Congress.
Feely, a former NFL kicker and sports broadcaster, argued for limited government, lower taxes and deregulation. He blamed inflation on excessive spending and money creation under the Biden administration, and said tax relief should include exemptions for tips, overtime and Social Security.
Shah, an emergency physician and former member of the Arizona House of Representatives, said tax cuts should be directed primarily towards working families. He criticised tariffs and argued that they had increased costs for households and businesses.
Healthcare and border security divide candidates
Healthcare was another major point of disagreement. Feely rejected single-payer or government-controlled healthcare, instead promoting greater price transparency and the use of health savings accounts to give patients more control over spending.
Shah backed allowing people to buy into Medicare, saying a public option could increase competition, reduce premiums and move the country towards universal coverage while preserving choice. He also opposed cuts to Medicaid, warning that unpaid emergency treatment could place additional pressure on hospitals and raise insurance costs.
On immigration, Feely called for stronger border enforcement, additional physical barriers and the deportation of violent offenders. He rejected amnesty for people living in the United States unlawfully.
Shah said the country needed a secure and constitutional immigration system rather than open borders. He supported targeting drug cartels and fentanyl trafficking, while backing a legal route for Dreamers and structured guest-worker programmes.
The candidates also differed over the expansion of data centres in Arizona. Feely described the technology sector as an important source of investment, jobs and tax revenue, while Shah opposed building data centres in the district because of concerns about water consumption, energy use, noise and traffic.
They did agree that Arizona should resist proposed reductions in its Colorado River water supply and invest in conservation and desalination.
The race became open after Republican Representative David Schweikert chose to run for governor rather than seek re-election. Feely won the Republican nomination with Donald Trump’s backing, while Shah secured the Democratic nomination after previously serving in the state legislature and narrowly losing a 2024 House contest.
