I recently read an article claiming that the YF23 was significantly superior on nearly all technical points, but that the YF22 was selected due to "political reasons". Is there any truth to this?
Can you provide the link to the article you are reading. My research says that the technology aspects of both prototypes were very similar and that deciding factor was Lockheed's better program management providing higher confidence in timing and cost delivery. Yes Lockheed had powerful supporters, but I am not aware of any specific claims.
Sources:
Congressional Research Service Report, FA22 Raptor, January 2005