Former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely has shifted his congressional campaign from the East Valley to Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, entering a competitive Republican primary based in Scottsdale.

The decision follows President Donald Trump’s recent endorsement of former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb in the Fifth Congressional District. That endorsement signaled to Feely that party leaders preferred he pursue a different seat.

“After nearly a quarter century in professional football, I know that no player is more important than the well-being of the team,” Feely said in a statement Friday.

“Right now, the best way I can serve our GOP team is to defend this crucial Republican seat.”

Feely joins a growing Republican field that includes businessman John Trobough, state lawmaker Joseph Chaplik, and Arizona Republican Party chair Gina Swoboda, who has already secured Trump’s endorsement.

Political analysts say Feely’s move — made after Trump encouraged him to switch districts — could create another scenario in which Trump ends up endorsing more than one Republican in the same race.

The 1st District seat became open after Congressman David Schweikert announced his run for governor. Republicans consider the district a must-win, given its status as one of Arizona’s two key swing districts that could influence control of the U.S. House.

Trump has previously endorsed multiple candidates in Arizona GOP primaries, including Rep. Andy Biggs and businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson during the governor’s race.

Source: AZFamily