April 1, 2026
Chris James is on the Ballot: Officially Files Candidacy in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District
Gilbert, AZ — April 1, 2026
Gilbert, AZ — Economic strategist Chris James is officially on the ballot for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, running in the Democratic primary. Ahead of last week’s Arizona Secretary of State deadline, his campaign submitted significantly more signatures on petitions from voters than required to officially qualify for the ballot, a clear sign of growing momentum and strong voter support across the district. His message of principled, solutions-driven leadership and expanded economic opportunity in the East Valley continues to resonate with voters.
“From Farmers Markets, to libraries and parks around the district, I’ve met with voters where they are to hear about the issues that matter to them. The bottom line is Arizonans are tired of the finger-pointing happening in Washington, and the lack of real solutions. In a time when families are being divided by politics, we need leaders who unite rather than inflame, and who are more interested in fixing problems than scoring cheap soundbite points. I’m grateful to everyone who stopped to sign petitions, asked thoughtful questions, and shared what matters most to them. These conversations are what fuel this campaign, and they’ve given me a sense that we are on the right track for the July primary and to beat the MAGA candidate in November. We are running a grassroots campaign, and that’s exactly why I’m on the ballot. Volunteers showed up and signed on because they believe we need grounded leadership that focuses on making their lives better. I’m excited to be officially on the ballot, and to take our campaign to the next level.”
— Chris James
Marking the occasion, the campaign launched two videos this week focused on the issue Chris heard most about from voters: affordability. In the first, Chris lays out what Washington has been up to, and how it is hurting Arizonans. In the second, he lays out his vision for how we can tackle costs, invest in local communities, and bolster the economy for everyone.
See the videos: Video 1 • Video 2
About Chris
Chris James is a nationally recognized economic strategist, a champion for small businesses, and has dedicated his career to creating opportunity, strengthening local economies, and ensuring every community—urban, rural, and Tribal—has a voice in shaping our future. Chris grew up in rural America, where he learned the power of perseverance, faith, and service in a close-knit community where every dollar mattered. His parents embodied entrepreneurial spirit—running a small business while his father farmed the land and taught choir—his grandmother curated handcrafted goods in her craft shop, and his grandfather served with compassion as a Methodist minister. From them, Chris inherited a deep respect for hard work and a relentless commitment to family, heritage, and community — values that continue to define every chapter of his life.
Today, Chris lives in Gilbert, Arizona, where he and his wife, Piret, have raised their three children — all proud graduates of Gilbert Public Schools and now enrolled in college, including one at Arizona State. Chris began his public service career as a senior executive at the U.S. Department of the Treasury under President Obama—his first role in government—where he managed more than $350 million in investments to expand access to capital, support community lenders, and revitalize underserved communities. That experience laid the foundation for a career defined by impact, innovation, and inclusion. He went on to lead national field operations for the U.S. Small Business Administration. There, Chris oversaw a $300 million budget and half the agency’s workforce, launching nationally recognized programs like Startup in a Day, SupplierPay, and the American Supplier Initiative—initiatives that cut red tape, accelerated payments to small vendors, and opened doors for women- and minority-owned businesses. He also founded the Small Business Technology Coalition to help entrepreneurs compete in a digital economy.
The District
Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, stretching east of Phoenix through Gilbert, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and parts of Chandler and Mesa, is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.
This open-seat race is competitive because voters of all stripes are increasingly rejecting the extreme politics coming out of Washington. Voters see Trump’s tariffs raising costs, Congress gutting health care to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, and an executive branch intent on disregarding basic rule of law and constitutional norms. In CD 5, more and more voters identify as independent or simply “tired of the extremes.” The same energy taking hold in elections across the country is building here in the East Valley. Voters want leaders who stand up for them and who focus on cost of living, stability, and competence.
That’s how Chris James can flip CD 5 — and why he will.