Abe Hamadeh, a prominent candidate in the crowded Republican primary for a U.S. House seat in the northwest Valley, recently disclosed a substantial financial boost for his campaign. In an announcement on January 10, Hamadeh proudly shared that his campaign and political action committee (PAC) had garnered nearly $1.3 million in the last quarter of 2023.

However, what Hamadeh omitted from his announcement was the revelation that a significant portion, $1 million to be exact, of the raised funds came from his brother, Waseem Hamadeh. Federal Elections Commission (FEC) records indicate that this generous donation was made on December 18, 2023, to Arizona’s Bold Era PAC, the PAC supporting Hamadeh in his bid to represent Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.

Funding Breakdown

Digging into the FEC records reveals that, apart from the substantial contribution from his brother, only three other donations, totaling $7,750, were made to the PAC during the same period. Simultaneously, Hamadeh’s campaign managed to raise $287,000.

Hamadeh’s spokesperson, Erica Knight, confirmed that Waseem Hamadeh is indeed Abe’s brother. The close relationship was highlighted in a social media post where Hamadeh shared an endearing childhood photo of the two brothers with a caption expressing gratitude for his “GREAT big brother.”

Past Financial Support

This is not the first time Waseem has financially supported Abe’s political endeavors. In 2022, he provided a $1 million loan to Abe Hamadeh’s unsuccessful campaign for Arizona Attorney General. Notably, Phoenix attorney Brandon Rafi also contributed funds to that particular race.

New Times reached out to Hamadeh’s PAC for comments on Waseem’s generosity and inquired whether the PAC anticipated repaying the $1 million to Waseem, as occurred in 2022. However, the PAC did not respond to these questions.

Waseem Hamadeh’s Background

Waseem Hamadeh, listed as a managing member of Phoenix real estate firm HOH Investment Group, has a background in various finance roles, primarily managing land investments. According to the company’s website, he serves as an advisor to high net worth individuals, institutions, and family trusts.

Trump Endorsement and Political Allegiance

Abe Hamadeh gained a significant political boost when he received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump on December 8. Interestingly, just 10 days after this endorsement, Hamadeh’s brother Waseem donated $1 million to the PAC supporting his campaign.

From the outset, Hamadeh’s campaign has been centered around defending Trump, overshadowing discussions about the district. In a tweet on October 17, when he launched his campaign, Hamadeh stated, “President Trump is under attack. He needs back up — and I’m ready to help him Make America Great Again.”

The Trump endorsement is expected to be a crucial asset for Hamadeh in the upcoming August 6 primary. Arizona’s 8th Congressional District is considered a safe seat for Republicans, making the primary winner a strong contender in the general election.

Race Dynamics and Competition

Political consultant Chuck Coughlin commented on the dynamics of the race, noting that winning a Republican primary often involves making statements that may not necessarily align with personal beliefs. Coughlin emphasized that only about 20% of Republican voters typically turn out for the primary.

Another contender in the GOP primary is Blake Masters, who, like Hamadeh, did not reside in the Congressional district when entering the race. Masters invested heavily in his campaign, loaning it $1 million, according to FEC reports.

Recently, Hamadeh called on Masters, who currently resides in Tucson, to withdraw from the Valley race. Knight, Hamadeh’s spokesperson, explained that Hamadeh moved to the district in November after announcing his campaign, having previously lived in Scottsdale.

In a now-deleted tweet, Hamadeh criticized Masters for residing in Tucson, highlighting the distance from Tucson to Peoria with a screenshot from Google Maps.

Liberty and Freedom in Focus

As a Trump supporter, Hamadeh’s campaign revolves around defending Trump’s legacy. The emphasis on liberty and freedom aligns with the broader narrative of the Republican Party. It remains to be seen how this focus on Trump’s endorsement and the funding dynamics will shape the outcome of the primary and Hamadeh’s potential representation of Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.