The first major Republican rally of the 2026 cycle was held over the weekend, drawing a packed crowd and signaling the start of campaign season. By Monday morning, Turning Point Action’s Chief Operating Officer, Tyler Bowyer, released a list of elected officials who did not attend the first major Republican rally of the 2026 election cycle, held over the weekend. The absence of several prominent figures sparked heated discussions within party ranks.

Notably, none of the Arizona Corporation Commissioners were at the big event. Commissioner Rachel Walden was quick to respond to social media comments, stating that it was her daughter’s birthday.

Commissioner Nick Myers took to social media, stating, “Although I may not have been able to be there in person, I had folks out there collecting [signatures], as a good statewide candidate should—according to Tyler himself. But lo and behold, they were kicked off the property by TP staff for actually getting those ‘thousands of signatures.’ How exactly are you not being a dishonest grifter, @tylerbowyer?”

What followed was a heated back-and-forth between Myers and Bowyer, with Myers repeatedly calling the head of Arizona’s largest grassroots conservative organization a “Democrat.” He accused Bowyer of “siding with Democrats.”

Bowyer responded sharply, saying, “Are you on drugs, Commissioner?” He continued, adding, “Puppets? No one has ever asked you for anything. You’re just not very good. You’re lobbyists’ BFF. Past commissioners who are far more conservative than you are deeply concerned. Organizations like the AZ Free Enterprise Club, who track these things, have identified how bad and unresponsive you are. You do hardly anything. You don’t support conservatives in the state and have made enemies out of anyone who’s figured you out.”

Political Activist Jenny Clark, founder of Love Your School and a member of the Arizona State Board of Education, commented on the absence of certain elected officials from the recent Republican rally, which is being used as a litmus test. She noted that many cited last-minute notifications or personal and family commitments as reasons for not attending. It’s noteworthy that Clark is married to Doug Clark, the Executive Director of the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Bowyer also highlighted that former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, who spoke at the rally, is rumored to be considering a run for the congressional seat currently held by Representative Andy Biggs. The Arizona Globe reached out to Lamb’s wife, Janel Lamb, who confirmed, “He’s strongly considering it.”

Until now, former State Representative Travis Grantham, who attended the rally, was the front-runner in the race. Things will heat up if Lamb jumps into the contest.

Bowyer added that Representatives Ralph Heap (R-10) and David Marshall (R-7) are potential candidates aligned with the Freedom Caucus, and were reportedly recruited by RNC Committeeman Jake Hoffman to challenge incumbent Republicans in the upcoming primaries. While the Globe has not independently verified this claim, the strategy aligns with recent efforts by the Freedom Caucus to expand its influence within the party.