Arizona state Representative Joseph Chaplik (R-AZ) is leaving his seat in the state legislature to focus entirely on his bid for Congress.
Rep. Chaplik, who has represented District 3 in the Arizona House since 2021, announced that he plans to resign from the legislature next week.
The decision comes as he ramps up his campaign for Arizona's 1st Congressional District, the seat currently held by Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ), who is not seeking reelection because he is running for governor.
For Chaplik, balancing both roles at once was never really an option. "I cannot fully commit to the legislature's demands and campaign for Congress at the same time," he said. "So to best serve my constituents and all my supporters, I will plan to resign from the chamber next week."
He left little doubt about his confidence heading into the race, adding, "I fully commit to becoming and winning the Congress race to be the next congressman here in Arizona."
Chaplik's History
Chaplik brings nearly six years of state legislative experience to the congressional campaign, having won three consecutive elections in 2020, 2022, and 2024.
During his time in the House, he chaired the House Ethics Committee and served as vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee, with a consistent focus on fiscal policy, tax reduction, and conservative social issues.
His campaign is built on both his political record and his private-sector background in commercial real estate and telecommunications.
"As a businessman and a conservative, I know what it takes to balance a budget, to fight for families and small businesses, and to uphold the freedoms that make Arizona and America great," Chaplik wrote in his announcement last year.
He also made clear where he stands on national policy, saying he looks "forward to continuing Trump's America-First policy fight in Congress," adding that "our freedom and liberties are at stake."
The race is shaping up to be competitive on both sides. On the Democratic side, former State Representative Amish Shah (D-AZ), who narrowly lost to Schweikert in 2024, is running again, along with former television journalist Marlene Galán-Woods (D-AZ).
With control of the House potentially on the line in 2026, the question now is whether Chaplik's decision to walk away from his legislative seat will further help his campaign.
