Andy Biggs wins Republican primary for Arizona governor, setting up race against Katie Hobbs

Hard-right congressman Andy Biggs has won the Republican nomination for Arizona governor, setting the stage for a high-profile contest against incumbent Democrat Katie Hobbs. Biggs, who received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, secured the victory by energizing the Republican party's conservative base, defeating fellow congressman David Schweikert. Schweikert had argued that Biggs' staunchly conservative politics and unwavering loyalty to Trump had contributed to Democratic gains in the traditionally Republican state. However, Arizona voters ultimately followed Trump's lead, a pattern seen across the country, even as Trump's endorsed candidates have faced challenges in the state's general elections. Biggs, a former chair of the House Freedom Caucus, was a key figure in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Businessman Ken Miceli and Scott Neely also competed for the Republican nomination. Governor Hobbs, who flipped the governorship to Democratic control in 2022, ran unopposed in her primary. Arizona has transformed into a swing state due to rapid population growth and shifting suburban voting patterns, particularly around Phoenix. Democrats have recently achieved success in statewide races, winning the governorship, attorney general, and secretary of state positions, as well as both U.S. Senate seats. Trump narrowly won Arizona in 2024 after losing it in 2020. Republicans face unfavorable national political conditions this year, with historical trends suggesting the president's party often loses ground in midterm elections. Democrats are hopeful about regaining control of the House and potentially the Senate, citing discontent over high gas prices and the war in Iran, which have impacted Trump's approval ratings. Two closely contested House districts in Arizona are considered crucial for this effort. The first congressional district, vacated by Schweikert, has become a Democratic target as suburban areas have moved away from the Republican party.

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Arizona voters on Tuesday chose their nominees for governor, Congress and other top offices, setting up a fall campaign that will test whether Republicans can reverse some of the Trump-era losses they suffered in a premier battleground state.