Hoffman: Trump’s CD5 Lamb Endorsement Ends Primary

President Trump has officially endorsed former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, a move that could dramatically reshape the Republican primary. Following the announcement, State Senator Jake Hoffman declared that President Trump, “just ended Arizona’s CD-5 primary,” signaling that many within the party view the race as effectively decided.

President @realDonaldTrump just ended Arizona’s CD-5 primary

Let me be the first to congratulate @SheriffLamb1 on being our next Congressman!🇺🇸

It’s time for all of the other candidates to drop out, so the Party & grassroots can focus money/energy on other, more important races pic.twitter.com/L6MRV7U1Nl

— Jake Hoffman (@JakeHoffmanAZ) November 4, 2025

On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “It is my great honor to endorse MAGA warrior Mark Lamb, who is running to represent the great people of Arizona’s 5th Congressional District.” The former president praised Lamb for his strong stance on border security, fighting crime, cutting taxes, restoring energy dominance, and defending the Second Amendment.

Lamb, who previously ran in Arizona’s 2024 U.S. Senate primary, has long been a beloved and visible figure in the state for his outspoken support of law enforcement and tough-on-crime policies. The endorsement places him squarely as a frontrunner and gives him a significant advantage in one of Arizona’s safest Republican districts.

Senator Hoffman, one of Lamb’s earliest backers, reaffirmed his support following Trump’s post, saying that with Trump’s blessing, “the CD5 primary should end.” The statement is a clear signal to other Republican hopefuls that party leadership expects the field to consolidate behind Lamb.

The 5th District, which includes portions of Pinal and Maricopa Counties, is heavily Republican. Whoever wins the GOP primary is almost certain to prevail in the general election. Trump’s endorsement often carries significant weight among Republican voters, and in this case, it could discourage potential challengers from continuing their campaigns.

Several candidates, including former state Representative Travis Grantham and former NFL kicker Jay Feely, had entered the race before Trump’s announcement. Whether they continue to campaign remains to be seen, but in an unusual move, President Trump—in the same post—encouraged Feely to seek another office or opportunity.

For weeks, speculation has been circulating in Arizona regarding the AZGOP Chair’s endorsement in CD1, as President Trump had not posted on Truth Social, a practice he typically follows. With President Trump’s comment about Feely, some are speculating that he would support Feely for CD1.

Radio host Garret Lewis said, “President @realDonaldTrump endorsed ANOTHER AZ candidate but still nothing about @GinaSwoboda. Trump even mentions someone else should run in CD1. I want @JosephChaplik to run! He would make a fantastic Congressman. Joe always votes the right way. He needs to jump in now!”

State Representative Joseph Chaplik has been rumored to be eyeing a run in CD1, but has not yet made any public statements confirming his intentions.

Hoffman’s remarks underscore the strategic timing of Trump’s involvement—an early endorsement that aims to prevent a divisive primary and unify the party behind a single candidate. With Lamb’s name recognition, Trump’s endorsement, and early grassroots support, the path forward for CD5’s GOP race may already be settled before it truly begins.