U.S. Rep. David Schweikert announced his candidacy for Arizona governor this week, stating that he has given up on fixing Washington but believes his home state still holds hope.
"I've grown to believe Washington ... is unsavable," Schweikert told Axios Phoenix. "I do believe Arizona is savable."
The 14-year House veteran is entering a Republican primary race that already has two leading candidates: Rep. Andy Biggs and businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson. The winner will face Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs in the 2026 election.
Karrin Taylor Robson came close to winning the GOP nomination in 2022, losing by a narrow margin. She's back this time with significant promises behind her campaign, and she says she'll work closely with Arizona's representatives in Congress.
Andy Biggs has served five terms in the U.S. House and previously served as a state senator. He's running on his long political career and strong conservative record.
Both Biggs and Robson have received endorsements from President Donald Trump, which complicates the primary. Since President Donald Trump is backing both contenders, all three candidates need to find other ways to distinguish themselves from one another prominently.
Schweikert’s Background
Schweikert has deep Arizona roots and an extensive political resume. He began his career in the Arizona State House in the early 1990s, then led the state's Board of Equalization and served as Maricopa County Treasurer. He was first elected to Congress in 2010.
In Washington, he currently chairs the Joint Economic Committee and sits on the House Ways and Means Committee. He's known for advocating for reducing federal spending and cutting government debt. As well as helping pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and he has worked to expand telehealth services to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.
Schweikert will need to work hard to break through in a primary where two well-established, well-funded candidates already have Trump's support and are considered the frontrunners in the race.
