Key Takeaways:

• Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb plans a Republican primary bid in Congressional District 5.
• He filed a statement of interest to replace Andy Biggs in Gilbert, Queen Creek, Chandler, and Mesa.
• Lamb has ties to the constitutional sheriff movement, QAnon influencers, and far-right groups.
• He faces at least seven other GOP contenders, including a former NFL kicker and a humor candidate.

Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb announced a bid for the East Valley seat. He filed paperwork Monday to enter the Republican primary in Congressional District 5. This district covers Gilbert, Queen Creek, and parts of Chandler and Mesa. The seat is open because U.S. Representative Andy Biggs is running for governor in 2026.

Mark Lamb ran for U.S. Senate last year but lost to Kari Lake. Now he aims for Congress. His campaign website first showed only a photo and signup form. Hours later, it updated with an official announcement. Lamb did not respond to interview requests.

Inside Mark Lamb Congressional Run Plans

Mark Lamb built his career as Pinal County sheriff. After leaving law enforcement, he started a consulting firm. It makes AI “Bigfoot” videos for military and police entrepreneurs. His firm also guides startups in law enforcement and defense.

Politically, Lamb links to the constitutional sheriff movement. This group is led by former sheriff Richard Mack. They warn of a “New World Order” that will seize guns. They claim sheriffs must fight so-called election fraud. Lamb denies that he is a “constitutional sheriff,” yet he signed some of the group’s materials.

Lamb courted conspiracy circles. He autographed a book for a QAnon influencer with the slogan “WWG1WGA.” He has appeared on QAnon shows and far-right programs. One such show, TruNews, has aired antisemitic content. On that program, host Rick Wiles blamed “seditious Jews” for plotting against Trump.

Lamb also supported Lauren Witzke, a known white nationalist, during her Senate run in Delaware. On another QAnon talk show, he echoed the Great Replacement theory. He claimed illegal immigration serves a secret agenda. This theory falsely asserts that immigrants aim to replace white Americans. It inspired violent attacks from Norway to Pittsburgh.

His alliance with election fraud groups runs deep. Lamb testified before Congress in 2023 saying he saw “zero evidence” of widespread fraud. However, he worked with True the Vote, the group behind the discredited “2000 Mules” claims. He co-hosted an election hotline that steered voters to True the Vote instead of official election offices. He wrote a “Sheriff’s Toolkit” for them and joined their private event called “The Pit.”

The Republican Field in District 5

Mark Lamb is not alone in the GOP primary. At least seven Republicans also plan to run for District 5.

Travis Grantham, a former state representative, filed his paperwork early. He sponsored lawmaking to criminalize “grooming” and is popular among social conservatives.

Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker, credits the 2024 assassination attempt on Trump for inspiring his run. He is a strong Trump supporter and even played golf with the former president.

Alex Stovall, another Trump backer, once claimed to be a military chaplain before he was officially ordained. Defense rules forbid that claim, sparking controversy.

Daniel Keenan taps into the MAGA base. He wants to end birthright citizenship and remove “woke indoctrination” from schools. He pledges to join the far-right Freedom Caucus if elected. He has appeared with Jack Posobiec, who has shared coded neo-Nazi messages online.

Linda Schaefer takes a lighter approach. She runs under the slogan “Humor vs. Hate.” She plans funny yard signs and promises to write a comedy book about life in Congress if she wins.

Several other candidates may still join. Each contender must gather enough signatures to appear on the primary ballot next year.

What Comes Next in the Race

The primary is set for August 2026. Until then, candidates will court voters, raise funds, and refine their platforms. District 5 remains a solidly red area, so the GOP nominee is likely to win the general election.

Mark Lamb’s network among law enforcement and far-right influencers may give him a strong base. However, his ties to conspiracy theories could worry mainstream Republicans. Meanwhile, high-profile candidates like a former NFL player and a colorful humorist add fresh dynamics.

Voters should watch for debates, town halls, and social media campaigns. Signature deadlines and filing fees will weed out less serious contenders. By mid-2026, the field should narrow to a handful of top contenders.

The general election will follow the August primary. District 5 covers fast-growing suburbs with concerns about schools, growth, and water. Candidates will need to address local issues as well as national debates on immigration and election integrity.

Looking Ahead

Mark Lamb’s announcement marks the start of an intense GOP contest in the East Valley. His mix of law enforcement experience and ties to fringe groups sets him apart. Yet this path may also limit his appeal among moderate Republicans.

As the race unfolds, voters will weigh each candidate’s background, policies, and character. Ultimately, the Republican primary winner will face little opposition in November 2026 in this ruby-red district. Until then, the battle for CD 5 promises lively debates and unexpected twists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What district is Mark Lamb running in?

He aims to run in Arizona’s Congressional District 5, which covers parts of Gilbert, Queen Creek, Chandler, and Mesa.

Who currently holds the District 5 seat?

U.S. Representative Andy Biggs holds the seat. He is running for governor in 2026, leaving the seat open.

How many Republicans are running for this seat?

At least eight Republicans, including Mark Lamb, have filed to compete in the primary.

What is the constitutional sheriff movement?

It’s a group of sheriffs and activists who believe sheriffs have supreme authority and must defend against federal overreach.