- Rep. Andy Biggs sailed to the Republican nomination for Arizona governor on July 21, further solidifying Trump's influence in the 2026 GOP primaries.
- Trump expressed mixed feelings about Biggs leaving Congress, stating, "I hate to lose him from Congress... but he'll be a great governor."
- As polls showed Biggs easily winning the primary, he began to pivot weeks ago to win over independents and skeptical Republicans.
- In an interview before the primary, Biggs emphasized his work with the late Sen. John McCain for Native American tribes.
- The Trump administration announced it was sending election monitors into polling sites in three counties to look for election fraud.
- Christopher Weber, director of the Voter Project at the University of Arizona, called the DOJ's decision to send election monitors during an active primary "highly unusual."
- State Rep. Kolodin was nominated as their candidate, having previously sought to throw out mail-in ballots and stop Arizona's electors from voting for Biden.
- Chief among the races is Arizona's 1st congressional district election to replace David Schweikert, who lost the gubernatorial primary to Biggs.
Rep. Andy Biggs has solidified his position as the Republican nominee for Arizona governor, winning the primary on July 21. His victory underscores the ongoing influence of MAGA candidates within the GOP, as he prepares for the 2026 elections.1
Biggs, who has been endorsed by Donald Trump, expressed a desire to appeal to independents and skeptical Republicans in the lead-up to the primary. Trump remarked, "I hate to lose him from Congress... but he'll be a great governor." This sentiment reflects the former president's continued sway over Arizona's political landscape.2
The primary was marked by significant controversies, including the Trump administration's decision to send election monitors to polling sites in three counties, raising concerns about election integrity. Christopher Weber, director of the Voter Project at the University of Arizona, called this move "highly unusual" during an active primary.56
Additionally, the nomination of state Rep. Kolodin, who previously sought to challenge mail-in ballots, highlights the ongoing tensions within the party regarding election processes. Kolodin's legal efforts to stop Arizona's electors from voting for Biden have drawn scrutiny, especially after being sanctioned by the state bar in 2023.7
As the general election approaches, Biggs will need to navigate these controversies while appealing to a broader electorate, including independents and moderate Republicans.
“President Trump praised Biggs as 'a great governor' despite losing him from Congress, while Katie Hobbs said she will earn every vote by showing Arizonans she puts the state ahead of partisan politics. The DOJ's decision to send election monitors into three Arizona counties was described as 'highly unusual' by an expert.”
