Biggs takes 71.8% in Republican gubernatorial primary
U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs claimed victory Tuesday night in the Republican nomination race for Arizona governor, overcoming fellow Rep. David Schweikert with 71.8% of the vote to Schweikert’s 15.5%, according to preliminary results from the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
Biggs, whom United Press International characterized as part of the Republican Party’s far right, was backed by President Donald Trump in the primary. He campaigned on GOP staples, including border issues and lowering taxes, and his close ties to the president.
“[Tonight’s results show that Arizonans overwhelmingly believe in our vision and I’m grateful to have earned their support,” Biggs said in a statement. “As we advance to the General Election, I want to make sure every Arizonan knows this: no matter what your political party is or your background, you deserve a better leader than Katie Hobbs.”
The victory sets up a general election contest against Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, the Democratic incumbent. The race is expected to be one of the most closely watched midterm battles, as Arizona remains a swing state that could play a decisive role in the 2028 presidential election.
Hobbs, who has campaigned on lowering prices and expanding affordable housing, criticized Biggs during the primary for his role in challenging the 2020 election results and his refusal to acknowledge her victory in 2022.
“Andy Biggs has spent years undermining confidence. He still denies the outcome of the 2020 election and refused to certify Arizona’s electors, and he still won’t admit who won the 2022 governor’s race,” Hobbs said. “I’ll save him the trouble: I did.”
Biggs is a former chair of the House Freedom Caucus. The general election will test whether a Trump-aligned candidate can win statewide in what the UPI described as a key battleground state, while also serving as a bellwether for the midterm landscape.