A businessman funding his own campaign is leveraging scandals to challenge President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate in a solidly Republican House district.
Republican Daniel Keenan is taking on Mark Lamb in Arizona’s 5th District by investing over $1.6 million of his personal funds, questioning Lamb’s suitability for office amid various sex scandals. This contest will gauge whether GOP voters prioritize these allegations or Trump’s endorsement.
An Arizona Republic investigation reported that Lamb allegedly engaged in a pattern of sharing sexual images and facilitating intimate encounters involving himself, his wife, and others. Jillian Stannard accused Lamb of encouraging her husband to engage with other women, including Lamb’s wife. Stannard also claimed Lamb threatened her when she confronted church leaders about these issues. Messages with another woman, Tammy Peacock, imply Lamb, while serving as sheriff, threatened to misuse Arizona’s revenge porn law against her. Lamb’s spokesperson, Ed Morabito, dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated.
Stannard confirmed her claims as “accurate and true.” Peacock passed away in 2021.
Keenan criticized Lamb, stating, “A man who talks about ‘God, family, freedom’ yet circulates personal photos and encourages inappropriate relationships is morally bankrupt.”
Morabito, Lamb’s representative, emphasized Trump’s endorsement and expressed confidence in Republican voter support.
“Keenan is spending millions targeting a Republican without addressing Democrats. His recognition is under 30 percent, making him an insubstantial contender,” Morabito stated.
Janel Lamb, Mark Lamb’s wife, commented on Facebook that “a smear campaign won’t deter us from our goals.”
The outcome of this race will demonstrate the influence of Trump’s endorsement in a staunchly Republican Phoenix district. This year, GOP voters have shown a willingness to support controversial Trump-backed candidates, as seen in Texas with Attorney General Ken Paxton’s nomination over Senator John Cornyn.
“Trump’s endorsement is unparalleled in Republican politics,” said former Rep. Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.), who represented the 5th District. “The party base is unlikely to oppose Trump.”
Keenan has invested over $1.6 million into his campaign to highlight the allegations. His campaign spent more than $1.8 million on TV ads detailing the allegations, while hosting town halls and distributing mail advertisements. In contrast, Lamb’s campaign has not utilized television advertising, according to AdImpact.
Lamb has also faced scrutiny for spending considerable time in Tennessee rather than in Arizona’s 5th District. Keenan also criticizes Lamb for his stance on the 2020 election results.
Keenan accused Lamb of betraying Trump post-2020 election, asserting that Lamb testified for Democrats regarding election fraud claims, which Keenan sees as disqualifying for representation.
Evidence suggests Keenan’s message resonates with voters. A poll from his campaign shows Keenan leading Lamb 42 percent to 40 percent, within the margin of error. Previous polls in late June showed Lamb ahead 43 percent to 35 percent.
Keenan mentioned discussions with the White House, asserting his consistent support for Trump. He cited Georgia businessman Rick Jackson’s success in a primary without Trump’s endorsement as proof of potential victory without presidential backing.
The White House did not comment on the matter.
Despite this, Lamb’s supporters are taking note of Keenan’s gains. The Club For Growth recently invested $250,000 in pro-Lamb ads, indicating Lamb’s potential vulnerability. A spokesperson for the Club highlighted their internal poll showing Lamb with a 34-point lead.
Lamb was not charged following the allegations. A Pinal County investigation found no criminal actions, though it criticized previous investigative efforts.
“I know him as someone who consistently stands for the right things,” said Tyler Farnsworth, a Republican candidate for the Arizona House in Gilbert, expressing voter faith in Lamb.
Farnsworth added, “I trust the justice system more than potentially biased reports.”
Women involved in the Republic investigation reportedly voiced concerns to church leaders, though any disciplinary actions by the church remain undisclosed. The church did not respond for comment.
The allegations have stirred Arizona’s 5th District, known for its significant Latter-day Saint population in areas like Gilbert and Mesa.
“His actions contradict our values,” Suzanne Lunt, an independent voter in Gilbert, remarked regarding the allegations. Lunt organized opposition among Latter-day Saints against Trump.
In May, as the scandal unfolded, Latter-day Saint leaders and strategists tried to remove Lamb from the race, fearing it could weaken the GOP’s position in November or statewide elections. However, this effort waned as Lamb remained steadfast.
“The lack of a well-funded opponent has limited efforts against him,” Tyler Montague, a political operative, said.
Keenan disagrees, warning that Lamb’s controversies could endanger a district that heavily favored Trump.
Amy Wudel, a Republican in Gilbert, stated, “I don’t favor Keenan, but I won’t support candidates lacking integrity,” reflecting her decision to vote for Keenan.
Keenan faces challenges, including low recognition among voters. His poll shows that while a third of voters are uncertain about Keenan, only 11 percent share that uncertainty about Lamb.
The impact of these controversies on voter opinion remains uncertain as the primary date has been moved up, with many ballots already submitted. The timing may also affect turnout, as families engage in travel during summer.
“This season, attendance is low, with many traveling,” Chad Heywood, a neutral Republican strategist, noted.
Meanwhile, Lamb’s supporters remain optimistic. Trump reaffirmed his support for Lamb without addressing the scandals. Lamb’s previous Senate campaign success in Pinal County and a standing ovation at a Republican women’s meeting bolster confidence. His campaign also received support from House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Rep. Jim Jordan.
Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz) previously criticized Lamb’s actions as “bordering on immoral” but now remains distant from the race.
“I avoid District 5 as it’s outside my jurisdiction,” Schweikert commented from the U.S. Capitol. “It’s up to the district’s voters to decide.”
