In order to actually get a spot on the ballot, though, prospective candidates had to gather enough signatures to qualify. The list of candidates who successfully did so is a little shorter, but still contains 16 names.
If you're a registered Republican or a registered Democrat who lives in Congressional District 8 — which basically covers the West Valley — these are your choices for the primary on February 27. If you live in the district, but aren't registered, you have until January 29 to do so.
Republicans:
• Steve Montenegro, a state senator from Litchfield Park who's proudly touting the endorsements of both a disgraced former congressman (Trent Franks) and a disgraced former sheriff (Joe Arpaio.) He's pledging to support Trump's agenda and repeal the Affordable Care Act.
• Debbie Lesko, a state senator from Glendale who was responsible for last year's controversial voucher-expansion law. The only Republican woman on the ballot is touting her pro-life record and desire to cut taxes.
• Phil Lovas, a former state legislator who left to take a position with the Trump administration in April and whose website is essentially a shrine to Donald J. Trump. He's promising to — you guessed it — pass the Trump agenda through Congress.
• Bob Stump, a former Arizona Corporation Commissioner who is not the same person as former Arizona Congressman Bob Stump. His website indicates that he is concerned with "overzealous regulation" and "the 'Deep State.'"
• David Lien, a piano teacher and vocal coach who's focused on balancing the budget, updating trade agreements, and the need for bipartisanship.
• Clair Van Steenwyk, a retiree in Sun City West and perennial candidate who last attempted to run against Senator John McCain.
• Former Graham County Sheriff Richard Mack, a member of the anti-government constitutional sheriffs movement, who's accepting donations in the form of silver and gold.
• Christopher Sylvester, a former naval officer who's taken the unusual tack of criticizing school-choice advocates in his platform.
• Chad Allen, a health care executive who want to introduce term limits for members of Congress, get lobbyists out of D.C., and repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
• Brenden Dilley, a life coach who lists "Fight Radical Islam" and "Drain the Swamp" among his top priorities.
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• Stephen Dolgos, who describes himself as economically conversative and socially tolerant, and has already called Trent Franks a pervert.
• Mark Yates, who says that "a lot of prayers and fasting" went into his decision to run.
Democrats:
• Hiral Tipirneni, an emergency room physician who immigrated to the United States from India as a child. Her platform is centered on expanding Medicare, protecting Social Security, and improving public schools.
• Brianna Westbrook, a sales manager at Arrowhead Honda who is openly transgender. She supports universal health care, a $15 minimum wage, renewable energy, and abolishing private prisons.
