Photo courtesy Adam Metzendorf
By Claire Spinner | Arizona Republic
Scottsdale resident Adam Metzendorf is entering the race for the 6th Congressional District.
Adam Metzendorf announced Tuesday his candidacy for Congress, hoping to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. David Schweikert in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District.
Metzendorf, a 33-year-old Scottsdale resident, is running as a Democrat in a historically conservative and affluent area that includes Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Fountain Hills.
Metzendorf is making his first move in the political arena after stepping down last week as the director of membership experience for the Phoenix Suns, the Phoenix Mercury and the Arizona Rattlers.
Seeking public office is something he felt compelled to do after the events that have transpired this year in Washington, such the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and the findings of ethical violations among members of Congress.
“What really got me interested in a political career was how I was brought up with my faith and my family. When something is wrong, I was taught that you can’t just sit on the sidelines,” Metzendorf said. “In Washington, people are putting party and politics over actual human beings and constituents, and it is leading us down a path that is wrong. I can’t sit idly by anymore.”
Metzendorf joins Democrats Jevin Hodge and Eric Ulis in the party’s 2022 primary race in the district. Republican Elijah Norton is challenging Schweikert in the GOP primary.
