Andy Biggs Wins Arizona Republican Primary, Sets Up Race Against Katie Hobbs
Arizona voters on Tuesday chose their nominees for governor and other top offices, setting up a fall campaign that will test whether Republicans can reverse Trump-era losses in a premier battleground state.
Andy Biggs, the hard-right congressman endorsed by Donald Trump, easily won the Republican nomination for Arizona governor, defeating fellow Congressman David Schweikert. Biggs, a former chair of the House Freedom Caucus and a key figure in efforts to overturn Trump's 2020 election loss, appealed to the party's deeply conservative base. Schweikert, who gave up his swing congressional seat, argued that Biggs's far-right politics and unwavering support for Trump had allowed Democrats to make gains in once ruby-red Arizona.
Arizona has transformed from a Republican stronghold into a competitive swing state, driven by population growth, shifting suburban voting patterns, and an influx of college-educated voters. Since 2016, Democrats have gained control of the top three statewide offices—governor, attorney general, and secretary of state—as well as both U.S. Senate seats. Trump narrowly carried Arizona in 2024 after losing the state four years earlier.
This year, Republicans face unfavorable national political conditions. Historically, the president's party loses ground in midterm elections, and Democrats hope to seize control of the House, fueled by discontent over high gas prices and an unpopular Iran war. Two toss-up House districts in Arizona are key to that effort. In the first district, vacated by Schweikert, Republicans Joseph Chaplik, Jay Feely, and John Trobough are vying for the nomination. The Democratic primary features former state lawmaker Amish Shah and former news anchor Marlene Galán-Woods, who has the backing of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. In the sixth district, Republican Juan Ciscomani seeks a third term, while Democrat JoAnna Mendoza runs unopposed.
