Newly Announced Student Winners For The Arizona's 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Two more winners have been announced in this extraordinary competition, adding to a growing list of Arizona student artists earning spots in the U.S. Capitol through the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.

In Arizona's 8th Congressional District, Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ) announced that homeschooled sophomore Emily Chen took first place with her acrylic painting "United in Dreams." The piece depicts a mother and daughter sharing a moment rooted in American culture and history.

In Emily's own words, the painting shows "a child learning about elements of U.S. culture and history that inspire and enable her to exercise creativity and imagination in her own life," with the mother-daughter dynamic representing family values and education.

Her work will hang in the Capitol alongside winning pieces from districts across the country. "Emily captured the true spirit of the United States of America in her work," Rep. Hamadeh said.

He added that reviewing all submitted entries left him feeling hopeful about the next generation: "If the young artists of Arizona's 8th Congressional District are any indication, then I have no doubt the future will be bright and beautiful."

Two additional AZ-08 students earned recognition. Leighton S. Larson, a sophomore at Mountain Ridge High School, claimed second place for "McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle," which will hang in Hamadeh's D.C. office.

Fellow Winner

Third place went to Basis Peoria sophomore Phuong Nguyen for "A Nation in the Making," set to be displayed at the congressman's Surprise district office.

In Arizona's 4th Congressional District, Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) announced that Marcos de Niza High School student Dahlia took first place with "The Pumpkin Patch," which will also be on display at the Capitol later this year.

Previous recently announced winners included Lindsey Cox of Arizona's 2nd Congressional District, whose first-place painting "Albert Camus and His Cat" will hang in the U.S. Capitol, and Dysart High School junior Carmen Baker, who placed second in the 9th District, earning her artwork a spot in Representative Paul Gosar's (R-AZ) D.C. office along with $7,500 in college scholarships.

For these students, the competition offered something beyond a ribbon, a chance to be seen on a national stage. With several districts yet to announce their winners, Arizona's showcase of young artistic talent is far from over.