Swing (politics)

Paul Carver, a Republican running for a competitive Arizona House seat in a swing district, is facing renewed scrutiny over his ties to far-right paramilitary groups and his presence in Washington, D.C. during the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Carver, board president of the Deer Valley Unified School District, has deleted Facebook posts appearing to show him at the Capitol that day, and Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes testified he had dinner with Carver the night before the attack. Reporting also links Carver to leadership of the Arizona chapter of the Three Percenters, a paramilitary group, from 2021 to 2022.

Democratic incumbent Stephanie Simacek, Carver's opponent, has criticized his extremist ties as disqualifying for a district she says wants stability. Despite the controversy, Republican House Speaker Steve Montenegro's leadership PAC has spent heavily to support Carver's campaign. Carver has declined interview requests. The race is seen as pivotal to control of the Arizona House.