Andy Biggs wins GOP nomination to challenge Democrat Katie Hobbs for Arizona governor

U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs has won the Republican nomination for Arizona governor

PHOENIX -- U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, a fierce ally of President Donald Trump and former head of the House Freedom Caucus, won the Republican nomination for Arizona governor Tuesday.

Biggs overwhelmingly defeated fellow U.S. Rep. David Schweikert in the primary and will face Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs in what could be one of the closest governor races in November.

By choosing Biggs, who supported Trump's failed attempt to block certification of his 2020 election loss, Republican voters risk nominating another conservative warrior who excites the party base but fails to win a general election by turning off independents. Although Republicans once dominated Arizona, Democrats now hold both U.S. Senate seats and the top three state offices.

Schweikert argued during the campaign that Biggs would continue a decade of Republican backsliding. However he struggled to raise money and did not even return to Arizona for Election Day, remaining in Washington as the House passed a government funding bill.

Biggs, who had Trump's endorsement and support from the grassroots organization Turning Point Action, said he can unite Republicans going into the general election.

“Everyone I have talked to is really conservative around here,” said Ray Roberts, a 33-year-old Republican who works as a processing engineer and knocked on doors for Biggs. “We all have mostly conservative values. I think Arizona is a red state. I think Andy will be the winner in November.”

Meanwhile both parties had hotly contested primaries to replace Schweikert in the highly competitive 1st Congressional District. Trump-backed Jay Feely won for the Republicans.

On the Democratic side, emergency physician Amish Shah faced off with Marlene Galán-Woods, a former television news anchor who used to be a Republican. She was backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Linda Bandler, a 65-year-old independent who volunteered on the Galán-Woods campaign, said the party will be in good shape regardless of who wins the primary.

“There still is some sanity,” said Bandler, who like Galán-Woods is a former Republican. “I do think that the Democrats will take over the House and the Senate.”

Alexander Kolodin, a state lawmaker and lawyer who wants vast changes to Arizona election law, won the Republican nomination for secretary of state. Republicans were also picking a nominee for attorney general.

Biggs built a national profile as chair of the House Freedom Caucus from 2019 to 2022 and as a staunch defender of Trump.