Jay Feely, the Republican candidate in Arizona’s Congressional District 1, has called Social Security a ‘Ponzi scheme’ and described it as a ‘liability’ that needs reforming. The district, which includes Arizona’s wealthiest areas, is one of the state’s most competitive races. With 175,000 people relying on Social Security, Feely’s position could play a significant role in the November election.
Feely, a former NFL kicker and broadcaster, has previously supported privatizing Social Security and raising the retirement age. He also stated that both Social Security and Medicare are ‘destroying our finances’ and are the ‘basis of our (national) debt problems.’ His campaign did not respond to questions about his plan for Social Security if elected or his stance on the 2032 automatic cuts to benefits.
Feely’s comments align with the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act,’ a law championed by former President Donald Trump and passed by Republicans in Congress last year. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted the bill included language allowing the Trump administration to privatize Social Security.
Democratic opponent Amish Shah has pledged to protect Social Security from cuts and privatization. Shah’s campaign manager, Eve Zhurbinskiy, stated, ‘Dr. Amish Shah will always stand up to protect Social Security so that every Arizona senior receives the benefits they paid for and earned.’ In contrast, Feely has called the program a ‘Ponzi scheme’ and supports cutting benefits and raising the retirement age.
Shah has also said he will ‘force billionaires to pay their fair share and work with both parties’ to improve Social Security’s funding.
