Businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson (R-AZ) announced today she is ending her campaign for Arizona governor, citing a drawn-out Republican primary fight that she says would hurt the party's chances in the 2026 midterm elections.
"After deep reflection, prayer, and many conversations with my family, I have decided to suspend my campaign for Governor," Robson said in a statement. "This decision was not an easy one. I love Arizona deeply. It is the greatest state in our country, and I would do anything to protect it from the growing radicalism of the left."
Robson had built a significant campaign operation since launching her bid. Her team made more than 300 campaign stops across all 15 Arizona counties, earned support from over 11,000 donors, and collected more than 11,000 petition signatures.
"I am truly humbled and grateful for the volunteers across our state and the tens of thousands of Arizonans who supported our campaign because they believe, as I do, that Arizona deserves strong conservative leadership, economic freedom, and a government that works for the people," she said.
However, Robson said the potential damage from a lengthy primary wasn't worth the risk.
"We cannot afford a divisive Republican primary that drains resources and turns into months of intraparty attacks," she explained. "It only weakens our conservative cause and gives the left exactly what they want: a fractured Republican Party heading into November. With so much on the line in 2026, I am not willing to contribute to that outcome."
Robson, who lost the 2022 Republican primary for governor, made it clear she's not leaving politics entirely. "While I am stepping back from this race, I am not stepping back from the fight for Arizona's future," she said.
The race now includes Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and David Schweikert (R-AZ), while Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) is running for reelection.
The 2026 midterm elections will take place on November 3, 2026, with primary elections expected in early August.
Rep. Andy Biggs responded to Robson's exit from the race, praising her "well-run campaign."
I want to thank Karrin Taylor Robson for a well-run campaign and for her many contributions to keeping our state red. Her experience as a businesswoman brought a valuable perspective to the race and her deep love for Arizona and its future has always been evident. Cindy and I send our best wishes to Karrin and her family in their next chapter.
This is a critical time for our party to unite and avoid a costly, divisive primary as the weak and ineffective Katie Hobbs continues to hurt Arizonans. Our campaign is now the only campaign endorsed by President Trump and Charlie Kirk, as well as dozens of state legislators and leaders across Arizona. We intend to win and defeat Katie Hobbs in November, but the time for Republicans to unite behind our campaign is now.
