David Schweikert

David Sheridan Schweikert (SHWY-kərt; born March 3, 1962) is an American politician and businessman. He is the U.S. representative from Arizona's 1st congressional district. He has held this role since 2023. Before that, he served the 6th district from 2013 to 2023 and the 5th from 2011 to 2013. Schweikert belongs to the Republican Party.

His area covers most of northern Phoenix and includes places like Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and Cave Creek. Before becoming a U.S. representative, Schweikert served in the Arizona State House of Representatives from 1991 to 1994. He chaired the state Board of Equalization from 1995 to 2004 and was Maricopa County treasurer from 2004 to 2007.

Schweikert and Paul Gosar share leadership of Arizona's congressional delegation. In September 2025, he said he would not run for re-election to the U.S. House. Instead, he plans to seek the Republican nomination in the 2026 Arizona gubernatorial election.

Early life and education

David Schweikert was born in Los Angeles, California and was placed for adoption as a baby. He grew up in Scottsdale with his adoptive parents and two adopted siblings. He finished high school at Saguaro High School in 1980. He later earned a degree in finance and real estate in 1985 and an MBA from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.

Early career

David Schweikert began his public service by being elected to the Arizona State House of Representatives in 1990. He represented District 28, which included Fountain Hills and part of Scottsdale. He was re-elected in 1992 and had important roles in the legislature.

From 1995 to 2003, he chaired the Arizona State Board of Equalization, overseeing financial matters for the state. In 2004, he became Chief Deputy Treasurer of Maricopa County and was elected treasurer that same year. He left this job in 2007 to run for Congress again. During this time, he also worked in real estate.

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

1994

David Schweikert ran for office in Arizona's 6th congressional district but lost. After this, he took a long vacation to places like Kolkata, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Serbia.

2008

Schweikert won a primary election with 30% of the vote. He lost the general election to Harry Mitchell.

2010

Schweikert ran again and won the primary. He then defeated Mitchell in the general election.

2012

After changes to districts, Schweikert ran in the 6th district again. He won the primary and was reelected in the general election.

2014

Schweikert was easily reelected, winning over 60% of the vote.

2016

He was reelected again with over 60% of the vote.

2018

In a closer race, Schweikert won with 55% of the vote against Anita Malik.

2020

Schweikert faced Hiral Tipirneni and won with 52% of the vote.

2022

He ran in the newly redrawn 1st district and won by a very small margin.

2024

Schweikert ran for reelection and won against Amish Shah. He focused his campaign on reducing the U.S. national debt.

Tenure

116th Congress (2019–2021)

Schweikert voted against a major spending bill because he didn’t have enough time to read it. There was an investigation about how he used some money, and he admitted to making mistakes.

117th Congress (2021–2023)

On January 6, 2021, Schweikert was at the U.S. Capitol. He voted to certify Arizona's votes but not Pennsylvania's. He also voted against impeaching Donald Trump and against a major rescue plan.

Committee assignments

For the current Congress, Schweikert serves on the Committee on Ways and Means, leading the Subcommittee on Oversight and also serving on Subcommittees on Social Security and Tax.

Caucus memberships

Schweikert is a member of several groups in Congress, including the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, Congressional Western Caucus, U.S.–Japan Caucus, Republican Study Committee, Congressional Coalition on Adoption, and Climate Solutions Caucus.

2026 Arizona gubernatorial election

Main article: 2026 Arizona gubernatorial election

In September 2025, David Schweikert said he would not run again for the U.S. House. Instead, he wants to be the Republican candidate for governor of Arizona in 2026. He will compete against Andy Biggs and Karrin Taylor Robson in the primary race. Schweikert said he feels Washington is too hard to change, but Arizona can still be improved.

Political positions

Abortion

Schweikert does not support abortion. He agreed with a change to a past law about it in 2022. But when a court in Arizona made a strict rule about abortion in 2024, he did not agree with that decision.

He wants to stop using government money for most abortions, only allowing exceptions in special cases. He also does not support funding for certain health organizations and has tried to stop them from getting government money.

Cannabis

Schweikert has voted to allow doctors to recommend medical cannabis to veterans if it is allowed in their state.

Foreign policy

In 2016, Schweikert did not agree with a plan to close a special prison for people from other countries. He also did not like an agreement about nuclear weapons with Iran, calling it a bad idea. He has voted on several issues related to military spending and troops in other countries.

Gun policy

He has suggested changes to laws about buying guns and ammunition. He also tried to make it easier for people in Washington, D.C., to carry hidden guns.

Health care

Schweikert has voted many times to change or remove laws about health insurance that were created to help more people get care. He believes these laws cost too much money and hurt businesses and taxpayers.

Economic policy

He has spoken out against rules that control big banks and financial companies. He also opposed some government spending plans, saying they cost too much and should be cut in certain areas. He supported a big change to tax laws in 2017.

Iraq

In 2021, he voted to remove old rules that allowed military action in Iraq.

Antitrust bill

In 2022, he supported a law to stop big companies from behaving in ways that are unfair to competition.

Personal life

David Schweikert and his wife, Joyce, live in Fountain Hills, Arizona. They adopted a daughter in 2015 and a son in 2022. Schweikert is Catholic.

Electoral history

David Schweikert has been elected to the U.S. House of Representatives many times. He first ran for office in 1990 and has kept winning elections since then. Each election year shows his continued service representing his district in Arizona.