Scoop: Sinema quietly boosting Republican Jay Feely

• Sinema still has sway in Arizona. And she lives and votes in one of the most competitive House districts — AZ-01, an open seat this cycle.

Zoom in: In multiple casual meetings over the past month, Sinema has told people she has gotten to know Feely and his wife and likes him, describing him as "commonsense" and a "fiscal conservative," two sources who were present when Sinema made the comments told Axios.

• Sinema has indicated she sees Feely as the best person to help handle Arizona's water crisis, including cutbacks to the state's share of the Colorado River, one source said.
• Sinema has also discussed her decision to vote in the GOP primary in these conversations —and indicated she is likely to vote for him in November as well.
• These were casual conversations over the past month with groups of business and political leaders and allies.

Zoom out: Feely now has the backing of a former elected Democrat — and President Trump.

• A former NFL kicker, Feely is running against former state Rep. Amish Shah (D) to fill the seat being vacated by Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.).
• Shah has been criticized for being like Sinema for showing willingness to buck Democratic leadership in the legislature.
• Arizona's 1 District has long been competitive. It is currently rated as "lean Democrat" by Cook Political Report.