PHOENIX—U.S. Representative Andy Biggs won the Republican nomination for Arizona governor, defeating fellow Congressman David Schweikert in Tuesday's primary and setting up a November contest against Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in one of the country's most closely watched gubernatorial races.
Biggs, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump and former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, secured the nomination after receiving Trump's endorsement during the campaign. The Associated Press projected Biggs as the winner after early returns showed him with a commanding lead over Schweikert and the remaining Republican candidates.
The result caps a primary campaign in which Biggs emphasized conservative priorities on border security, immigration and government spending while seeking to unify Arizona Republicans ahead of the general election. Schweikert, who represented a more establishment wing of the party, had argued that his experience and broader appeal would make him a stronger challenger to Hobbs.
Hobbs, who sought re-election without a serious Democratic primary challenge, now faces Biggs in a race expected to draw national attention and significant campaign spending. Arizona has emerged as one of the most competitive political battlegrounds in the United States in recent election cycles, with closely contested statewide races and a growing share of independent voters.
Biggs gained national prominence during his tenure in Congress as a leading conservative voice and for his support of Trump's efforts following the 2020 presidential election. Democrats have highlighted those positions as they prepare their general election campaign, while Republicans have argued Biggs offers a clear contrast to Hobbs on state and federal policy.
Tuesday's primary also determined nominees in several congressional and statewide contests that are expected to shape Arizona's political landscape heading into the November election. Republican Jay Feely won the GOP nomination in the state's 1st Congressional District, while Democrats selected physician Amish Shah as their nominee in that race. Other statewide contests, including those for attorney general and secretary of state, were also set following the primary.
With the primary concluded, both gubernatorial campaigns are expected to shift their focus to the general election, where Arizona voters will decide whether to return Hobbs to office or elect Biggs as the state's next governor.
