The Republican race for Arizona governor is interchanging after businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson (R-AZ) dropped out, leaving Representatives David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Andy Biggs (R-AZ) to battle for the nomination against current Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ).
Robson worried that a prolonged Republican primary would only damage whoever eventually wins the nomination. "We cannot afford a divisive Republican primary that drains resources and turns into months of intraparty attacks," she said.
Such infighting, she argued, would hand Democrats an advantage by leaving Republicans weakened and broke heading into November.
However, Rep. Schweikert isn't backing down from the fight. In fact, he's turning his history of tough elections into his biggest selling point.
"Democrats have spent almost $50 million trying to beat me and still can't get it done," Schweikert told 12 News. He argues that this experience makes him an ideal candidate, someone who has already demonstrated the ability to withstand tough political battles.
Over the past six years, Schweikert claims he's been "the most expensive loss in America" for Democrats. That massive spending against him, he says, shows he's been tested in ways other candidates haven't.
He continues to explain that his district is highly competitive, meaning he's had to appeal to both conservative Republicans and independent voters who don't always agree with his party.
"In a tough district you learn how to stay unapologetically conservative and still win the independents you need," Schweikert wrote on X. He believes his approach, promoting conservative economic policies while framing prosperity as a moral good, resonates with voters across the political spectrum.
Schweikert also noted that even hardcore conservative primary voters in his own family understand something crucial this election cycle: "Losing is not an option this year."
With primaries expected in early August and the general election set for November 3, 2026, Robson's departure reshapes the race. Governor Hobbs will be fighting to keep her seat, while Schweikert banks on his track record of surviving expensive political battles.
Does Robson’s departure leave her fellow republicans in better standing?
