Dr Amish Shah, a Gujarati-speaking emergency physician and former Arizona state legislator, has won the Democratic nomination for Arizona's First Congressional District. Shah described his primary victory as a grassroots achievement and pledged to reach beyond party lines. He sharply criticized Washington's political establishment for failing ordinary Americans on healthcare and costs. Shah will face Republican nominee Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker backed by President Donald Trump, in a highly competitive November election.

Emergency physician and former Arizona state legislator Dr Amish Shah has won the Democratic nomination for Arizona's First Congressional District, setting up a closely watched November contest in one of the most competitive US House races.

"I have always prided myself on being a hardworking, grassroots candidate. - Dr Amish Shah"

In a statement after his primary victory, Shah described the result as "a grassroots victory" and pledged to reach beyond his party as he begins the general election campaign.

"I have always prided myself on being a hardworking, grassroots candidate. Our victory in this primary was a grassroots victory where Arizona voters made their voices heard," Shah said.

"Now, it's my job to earn the support of every voter in this district -- including Democrats who voted for another candidate, Independents frustrated with our political system, and Republicans disappointed with the state of the country."

Shah sharply criticised Washington's political establishment, saying Congress had failed ordinary Americans.

"The status quo in Washington, DC is not working for Arizonans. From rising costs to a reckless war in Iran to the largest cuts to our nation's healthcare system in American history, corrupt and self-interested politicians in Congress are making life harder for people, not easier," he said.

"We need leaders in Congress who are focused on the needs of the people they represent instead of picking partisan fights and lining their own pockets."

The emergency physician said his experience in medicine and public office had prepared him for Congress.