Initiating a shake up within the party…
U.S. Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) announced Tuesday that he will run for governor in 2026, ending months of speculation and reshaping the Republican primary field.
Schweikert becomes the third major GOP candidate in the race, joining Rep. Andy Biggs and former gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robson. Both Biggs and Robson have already secured endorsements from President Donald Trump, who initially backed Robson in December 2024 before later offering what he called his “complete and total endorsement” to Biggs as well.
Schweikert, who once enjoyed Trump’s backing in past campaigns, does not appear to have it in this contest — a factor likely to complicate his path. Known for his focus on debt, budgets, and fiscal policy, Schweikert has cultivated a reputation as a technocratic conservative, in contrast with Biggs, a prominent MAGA-aligned figure, and Robson, who has close ties to the business community and GOP establishment.
By entering the race, Schweikert is forgoing reelection to his U.S. House seat, which covers much of northeast Phoenix and surrounding suburbs, a politically competitive district that could affect the balance of power in Congress.
In an interview with Axios, Schweikert explained the motivation behind his decision. “I’ve grown to believe Washington … is unsavable,” he admitted. “I do believe Arizona is savable.”
Schweikert further confided to the news outlet that he doubted either Biggs or Taylor Robson could win a general election — even in a red-tilting state like Arizona:
He argued his track record in the highly competitive 1st Congressional District, which covers northeast Phoenix, much of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Fountain Hills, shows he can win in purple Arizona.
“Find me someone as conservative as I am who has done as well” with a competitive electorate, he said.
Zoom out: Robson has poured millions of her own money into TV ads, while Biggs has received support from Turning Point USA’s political action committee.
Though they have a significant head start, his campaign still has “plenty of runway,” Schweikert told Axios.
Republicans view Arizona’s governorship as a prime target in 2026, especially given that Trump won the state by about 5.5 points in 2024. Schweikert, who has repeatedly won elections in Arizona’s wealthiest and most educated district, plans to formally launch his campaign Wednesday. The GOP primary is scheduled for Aug. 4, 2026.
Meanwhile, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs is expected to seek reelection, setting up a pivotal general election battle in a key swing state.
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