PHOENIX - Former Arizona GOP Senate candidate Blake Masters has declared his candidacy for Congress, adding to the already crowded field in Arizona's upcoming congressional race, according to NBC News.

Masters, who faced a defeat at the hands of Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly in last year's midterm election, made the announcement on Thursday. His decision comes shortly after U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko revealed that she will not seek reelection in the conservative-heavy 8th Congressional District of Arizona, stating a desire to spend more time with her family.

With a background as a venture capitalist, Masters has spent a significant portion of his adult life working for billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel. Thiel not only served as Masters' employer but also supported his primary campaign for the Senate seat. Masters gained attention among GOP primary voters for his provocative and contrarian thinking.

However, Masters' entry into the race has already stirred controversy, as the Arizona Democratic Party has criticized him for holding what they perceive as "dangerous beliefs." These beliefs reportedly include Masters' belief that the 2020 election was stolen and his support for a national abortion ban.

Masters will face tough competition in the Republican primary, as six other GOP candidates have already announced their bids for the seat. Among them is Abe Hamadeh, who ran as a Republican candidate for Arizona attorney general in the previous year.

As the race for Arizona's congressional seat heats up, voters and political pundits alike will closely watch how each candidate navigates the campaign trail and appeals to the constituents of the 8th Congressional District. The primary election, which is sure to be a fiercely contested battle, is scheduled for a later date, yet to be announced.