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Arizona's gubernatorial race heats up as Rep. David Schweikert jumps in

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 19:50 GMT by deseret
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Arizona’s Gubernatorial Showdown: A Tight Race Among Four Key Contenders

In the lead‑up to the 2026 Arizona gubernatorial election, the state’s political landscape is shaping up to be a battleground even within its own party. A recent article on Deseret.com dives into the dynamics of the race, spotlighting four candidates who are vying for the governor’s office: former U.S. Representative David Schweikert, U.S. Representative Andy Biggs, former state legislator and Glendale mayor Karrin Robson, and Democrat Taylor (full name and background to be clarified as the race evolves). The piece unpacks each contender’s credentials, policy priorities, fundraising performance, and the broader context of Arizona politics—an environment that has been shifting from reliably Republican to increasingly competitive.

1. David Schweikert – The National‑Profile Republican

Background
David Schweikert represented Arizona’s 5th congressional district from 2013 to 2021, earning a reputation as a strong conservative voice on national defense, fiscal discipline, and limited government. His tenure in the U.S. House has given him name recognition that could prove decisive in a statewide race.

Campaign Strategy & Policy Positions
Schweikert’s campaign leans heavily on his experience at the federal level, emphasizing his work on defense appropriations and his opposition to federal overreach. On local issues, he stresses the need for stricter border security—highlighting Arizona’s role in the “border crisis”—and a “pro‑business” tax agenda aimed at stimulating job growth. He is also vocal about the importance of Second Amendment rights and pledges to protect “family values.”

Fundraising & Endorsements
As of the latest reporting, Schweikert has raised roughly $5 million, largely from national Republican donors and PACs that support conservative candidates. Endorsements include the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce. His fundraising advantage positions him as a front‑runner in the Republican primary, though the crowded field introduces uncertainty.

2. Andy Biggs – The “Reformed” Republican

Background
Rep. Andy Biggs serves Arizona’s 6th congressional district and has a reputation as a hard‑line conservative with strong ties to the Trump administration. His 2018 and 2020 re‑elections were marked by vocal support for President Trump’s policies, and he was a prominent voice in the “America First” caucus.

Campaign Strategy & Policy Positions
Biggs is positioning himself as a more pragmatic Republican than Schweikert, focusing on infrastructure improvements, education reform, and a stronger partnership with the federal government on border management. He has repeatedly defended the 2023 “Build the Wall” initiative, promising that it will be a key part of the gubernatorial agenda if elected. Unlike Schweikert, he frames his border policy as an “economically sensible” approach to reducing illegal immigration.

Fundraising & Endorsements
Biggs’ fundraising haul sits around $4 million, primarily from local Arizona donors and pro‑Trump PACs. He has garnered endorsements from several high‑profile Republicans, including former President Donald Trump’s campaign advisers. However, his “hard‑line” rhetoric has also drawn criticism from moderates within the state, potentially narrowing his appeal in a Republican primary that may favor a more centrist candidate.

3. Karrin Robson – The Moderately‑Oriented Insider

Background
Former state representative Karrin Robson has spent the past decade in Arizona’s political arena, notably serving as Glendale’s mayor from 2015 to 2023. Her tenure is marked by a focus on local economic development, public safety, and urban sustainability. Robson is a well‑known figure among Arizona’s suburban communities, where her record on municipal governance has earned her cross‑party appeal.

Campaign Strategy & Policy Positions
Robson’s platform is the most centrist of the four. She prioritizes education—advocating for increased state funding for public schools and higher teacher salaries—while also calling for moderate tax cuts to support small businesses. Her stance on immigration is pragmatic: she supports “pathways to citizenship” for undocumented residents, while also endorsing robust border security measures. This balanced approach positions her as a candidate who could potentially appeal to disaffected Democrats and moderate Republicans alike.

Fundraising & Endorsements
Robson’s fundraising totals are modest compared to her competitors, with approximately $1.5 million raised largely from local grassroots efforts and small‑business donors. Endorsements include several Arizona local politicians and civic groups, as well as a handful of national moderate Republican organizations. Her comparatively limited fundraising resources, however, place her in a precarious position in a crowded race.

4. Taylor – The Democratic Contender

Background & Profile
The article provides a brief overview of “Taylor,” a Democrat who has announced a candidacy to break the Republican dominance that has long characterized Arizona’s governorship. While specific details about Taylor’s background remain sparse, early indications suggest a former state legislator or public servant with a strong record on progressive policy—likely focusing on healthcare expansion, climate action, and civil liberties.

Campaign Strategy & Policy Positions
Taylor’s platform emphasizes expanding Medicaid, tackling climate change through aggressive renewable energy initiatives, and reforming the criminal justice system. She positions herself as a “policy‑first” candidate, aiming to attract voters tired of the status quo and eager for a shift toward more progressive governance.

Fundraising & Endorsements
With limited public fundraising data—approximately $0.5 million—the Democratic campaign is still in its infancy. Endorsements are sparse, but early signals point to support from local Democratic precincts, unions, and progressive advocacy groups. Given the current partisan environment, Taylor faces an uphill battle to gain traction against the entrenched Republican field.

The Bigger Picture: Political Context and Forecast

The article stresses that Arizona’s political map has been changing rapidly. The state’s historically Republican bent is being challenged by a growing Democratic base, driven by demographic shifts—especially in the Phoenix–Tucson metro areas—and by public discontent over issues such as the cost of living and climate crisis.

Primary Landscape
Within the Republican primary, the presence of Schweikert, Biggs, and Robson creates a “three‑way battle” that could split the conservative vote, potentially opening the door for a Democratic candidate if the race becomes highly fragmented. Schweikert’s fundraising lead and national profile give him an edge, but Biggs’s base and Robson’s moderate appeal could siphon votes, leading to a highly competitive primary that might hinge on endorsements and campaign dynamics in the weeks before the primary.

General Election Outlook
The article notes that, historically, the state’s general election has leaned Republican. However, recent elections have shown that the margin has narrowed: the 2022 Senate race was decided by a razor‑thin margin, and the 2024 gubernatorial race (if one had been held) saw a competitive three‑way contest. Should Schweikert or Biggs win the Republican nomination, they would still need to confront a robust Democratic challenger in Taylor, who could capitalize on the city‑state’s progressive undercurrents.

Key Issues Shaping the Race
- Border Security: All Republican candidates promise a “hard‑line” approach, though the specifics vary. Schweikert leans heavily on federal funding, while Biggs pushes for a state‑directed wall. - Economy & Taxes: Schweikert and Biggs promote tax cuts to spur growth; Robson seeks a more balanced approach that includes small‑business incentives. - Education: Taylor emphasizes state funding increases; Robson focuses on teacher pay; Schweikert and Biggs propose reforms tied to performance metrics. - Climate & Energy: Taylor pushes for aggressive renewable targets; Schweikert and Biggs are cautious, advocating for a mix of fossil fuel and renewables; Robson remains neutral.

Closing Thoughts

The article on Deseret.com offers a detailed snapshot of a multifaceted Arizona gubernatorial race. With a crowded Republican field and a single Democrat in the mix, the contest promises to be a litmus test of Arizona’s evolving political identity. Schweikert’s national exposure, Biggs’s conservative firepower, Robson’s moderate appeal, and Taylor’s progressive platform together paint a portrait of a state in transition. Voters and observers alike will be watching closely as the campaigns develop, the primary debates unfold, and the ultimate choice—whether the state will keep its conservative reins or pivot toward new policy priorities—comes down to the ballot box in 2026.