The Republican primary in Arizona's highly competitive 1st Congressional District is suddenly wide open due to incumbent David Schweikert's campaign for governor — and elected officials, party leaders and even a former ASU football coach are eying the race.

Why it matters: The GOP's razor-thin margin in the U.S. House could hinge on CD1 — a must-win district spanning northeast Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Paradise Valley.

State of play: Several GOP politicians are widely seen as potential contenders.

• Phoenix state Rep. Matt Gress, a former Gov. Doug Ducey aide, represents the competitive Legislative District 4.
• Scottsdale state Rep. Joseph Chaplik is a member of the Legislature's Arizona Freedom Caucus.
• And Gina Swoboda is the Arizona Republican Party chair.

The intrigue: Former Arizona State University football coach Todd Graham, who led the Sun Devils from 2012-2017, has "strong interest" as well, Jarred Brejcha, an Oklahoma political consultant and friend of Graham's, told us.

• Graham, who's on the coaching staff for Texas Christian University, maintains a residence in Arizona, Brejcha said.
• "Coach Graham is definitely interested in this race. He's an Arizonan by choice, absolutely loved his time coaching ASU and just has a passion for the country," he said.

What we're watching: Many political observers say it's likely that a wealthy candidate who hasn't previously run for office will jump into the race.

What they're saying: Gress didn't respond to messages from Axios, but posted on X yesterday morning that GOP control of the House depends on Republicans holding CD1, and, "I will do everything I can to make sure that happens."

• Chaplik is considering a run and is "taking this opportunity very seriously," spokesperson Ross Trumble told Axios.
• Swoboda told Axios she's considering the race and noted her "primary focus is maintaining control of the House," regardless of whether she can best do that as a candidate or as AZGOP chair.
• Former state lawmaker Michelle Ugenti-Rita, who represented the Scottsdale area in the House and Senate, told Axios she's also considering a run.

Read more

The largest telescope in metro Phoenix landed in Fountain Hills this week as the town prepares to open its International Dark Sky Discovery Center next summer.

Why it matters: The facility, which will also include a planetarium, theater and exhibit hall, aims to bring a world-class science center to the Valley to educate the public on the "importance of protecting the vanishing night sky."

• Fountain Hills earned a dark sky designation from DarkSky International in 2018.

State of play: The 27.5-inch PlaneWave CDK700 is equipped with advanced astrophotography cameras and had to be installed via crane.

• It will be available for public viewing when the center opens next year and used for research and education.

What they're saying: "With this telescope, visitors will be able to see planets, galaxies, nebulae and more in incredible detail," the center's education director Dania Wright said in a statement.

The federal government shutdown will have local repercussions but, unlike in similar crises, the Grand Canyon and other Arizona National Parks will remain open to the public.

Why it matters: The effects of the shutdown could lead to backups at Phoenix Sky Harbor and will force the furlough of thousands of local federal employees.

State of play: Most outdoor national parks, including the Grand Canyon, will remain open.

The intrigue: During the 2013 and 2018 government shutdowns, former Arizona Govs. Jan Brewer and Doug Ducey had to use state funds to keep the Grand Canyon open. But a spokesperson for current Gov. Katie Hobbs told Axios the state could not afford to do so this time.

• Instead, the National Park Service will tap into unused funds to keep a limited number of rangers and employees at the park, according to a Department of Interior contingency plan.

Friction point: Although airport employees, including security officers and air traffic controllers, will be forced to continue working throughout the shutdown, airport operations could be affected.

• Historically, long shutdowns have led to higher-than-usual rates of workers calling out sick, forcing security checkpoint and terminal closures.

Other impacts

🧑‍⚖️ U.S. Agency for Global Media acting CEO Kari Lake, a former Phoenix newscaster, cannot lay off most of the agency's staff, a federal judge ruled Monday. (Axios)

⚕️ Planned Parenthood Arizona today will halt services for Medicaid patients due to new federal policies that prohibit reimbursements for STI checks and other reproductive health care at some abortion clinics. Federal law already barred Medicaid funds for abortions. (KJZZ)

🏈 The Arizona Cardinals plan to build a new practice facility at the north Phoenix site previously eyed by the now-defunct Arizona Coyotes. (Arizona Sports)

🌮 La Santísima taco shop in central Phoenix is closed after a weekend fire caused significant damage. (KTAR)

Padel — the increasingly popular sport that combines elements of racquetball, squash and tennis — is leveling up with the launch of the first national amateur league.

The big picture: Players in the USA National Team League will represent 40 cities, including Phoenix, on a national stage.

How it works: Amateur players of all levels will play on city-based teams and compete for the chance to play at Miami's National Finals in February 2026.

• The league is open to active U.S. Padel Association members 16 and older.

What's next: Registration is open until Oct. 15, and local competitions will begin Oct. 20.

Pro tip: Get your practice in at the new Conquer Padel Club in Tempe, the Valley's first dedicated padel facility.