As the Republican primary for Arizona's 1st congressional district grows closer, voters will have to weigh how important it is for candidates to live in the district.
Two new GOP candidates joined the race Monday. Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu moved into the district this summer, and Arizona House Speaker David Gowan currently lives in 2nd congressional district and is running in District 1.
Babeu conceded while much of the county he represents as Sheriff is in District 1, physical residency matters to voters, which is why he moved. But Gowan said he doesn’t believe physical residency should impact his performance in the race.
"Here’s the reality — I represent a constituency in that congressional district. My legislative district absolutely overlaps that," Gowan said.
There were two other Republicans already in the race. Gary Kiehne is a district resident and former Secretary of State Ken Bennett does not live there but is planning to buy a home in Maricopa.
