Pinal County, Arizona Sheriff Paul
Babeu on Tuesday won the Republican primary in Arizona's 1st
Congressional District.
The race to become the GOP nominee
included six Republicans, although Arizona House Speaker David Gowan
dropped out. Others in the race included former Secretary of State
Ken Bennett, retired Air Force pilot Wendy Rogers, rancher Gary
Kiehne and businessman Shawn Redd.
“A big thank you to the Republican
voters who have decided that they want to send a sheriff to
Washington,” Babeu said in his victory speech to supporters.
Babeu's campaign has largely focused on
immigration and protecting coal jobs.
“I'm focused on talking about our
national security, securing our border, protecting coal as an energy
source and fighting for our state,” he said before prior to
Tuesday's vote.
Babeu's previous attempt in 2012 to
reach the House imploded amid allegations that he threatened to
deport a former boyfriend if he discussed their relationship. Jose
Orozco's undocumented status, which he claimed Babeu was aware of,
ran contrary to Babeu's get-tough stance on illegal immigration.
Babeu instead sought re-election as sheriff and was later exonerated
of any criminal charges.