Arizona Republicans are holding a primary election to choose nominees for several key positions, including governor, secretary of state, and attorney general. The Republican gubernatorial primary features two prominent candidates with notably different approaches.
U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs has secured President Trump’s endorsement and backing from the conservative group Turning Point Action. Biggs argues he can unite the Republican Party heading into the general election against Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, who multiple observers characterize as the most endangered Democratic governor in the current election cycle. Biggs previously served as chair of the House Freedom Caucus and has maintained a high profile as a Trump supporter. His political resume includes a vote against accepting Electoral College results from Arizona following the January 6 Capitol riot.
Competing against Biggs is U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, who has taken a more cautious approach regarding Trump. Schweikert characterizes his political approach as low-key, pro-business fiscal conservatism, arguing this positioning can appeal to voters who have rejected Trump-aligned candidates. He points to his electoral success in a competitive House district as evidence of his appeal to swing voters.
Democrats have directed their campaign messaging at Biggs, planning to portray him as an extremist whose focus is on assisting Trump rather than serving Arizona residents. Meanwhile, the race to replace Biggs in the House features multiple Republican candidates competing for the nomination, with former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feeley carrying Trump’s endorsement despite residing outside the district.
In other contested races, the Republican primary for secretary of state and attorney general positions have drawn significant attention given these offices’ authority over election procedures in a state that played a central role in post-2020 election disputes. The competitive House district of incumbent Republican Juan Ciscomani in Tucson will face retired Marine drill instructor JoAnna Mendoza as the Democratic nominee.