Former NFL kicker wins Arizona GOP primary with Trump backing

Former NFL placekicker Jay Feely won the Republican primary for Arizona's 1st Congressional District on Tuesday, becoming the GOP nominee for the open seat previously held by Rep. David Schweikert, who is now running for governor. Feely defeated former state legislator Joseph Chaplik and businessman John Trobough in a contest that analysts say will be pivotal in determining control of the U.S. House.

President Donald Trump released a video message endorsing Feely in the final days of the race, describing him as a "true America First conservative" and urging voters to support him on July 21. The National Republican Congressional Committee also added Feely to its program aimed at supporting candidates in competitive districts.

The primary campaign turned personal when Chaplik accused Feely on social media of "importing Haitians," a claim Feely called racist. Feely, who has been involved in nonprofit relief work in Haiti since the 2010 earthquake, said he helped two Haitian men— a translator and the translator’s brother— relocate to the United States and considers them family.

Feely will advance to the November general election in a district that includes parts of northeastern Maricopa County, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Fountain Hills, and is viewed as a battleground by both parties.