David Schweikert is a 14-year U.S. Congressman representing Arizona's 1st Congressional District (Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills area) since 2011. Born March 3, 1962 in Los Angeles, he grew up in Scottsdale as an adoptee. He earned degrees from Scottsdale Community College, Arizona State University (B.S. 1988, M.B.A. 2005) and worked as businessman, realtor, and financial consultant. He was founding member of House Freedom Caucus but left in 2023, not wanting association with far-right Arizona Freedom Caucus. He entered the 2026 gubernatorial race in September 2025, declaring Washington 'unsaveable' while Arizona is 'savable,' arguing his competitive district record proves he can win purple Arizona.
Schweikert was adopted and grew up in Scottsdale with adoptive parents and two adopted siblings. His birth mother, Mary Lynn Sheridan, chose adoption over abortion—he frequently references this in his anti-abortion advocacy. He worked in real estate professionally before Congress.