Trump-Backed Republicans Sweep Arizona Primaries, Setting Up High-Stakes Fall Races
Rep. Andy Biggs wins GOP nod for governor as election deniers claim top of the ticket in a premier 2026 swing state
Arizona Republicans nominated a slate of Trump-endorsed candidates in Tuesday's primaries, setting up a string of high-stakes November races that could help decide control of Congress and the fate of one of the nation's most competitive governorships.
Rep. Andy Biggs, a House Freedom Caucus member and close Trump ally, easily defeated fellow Rep. David Schweikert for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, according to NBC News, ABC News, Politico and The Hill. With about 39% of the vote counted, Biggs led Schweikert 69.6% to 17.2%, the Washington Examiner reported. He will face Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, who ran unopposed and is considered the most endangered Democratic governor in the country this cycle, in a state Trump carried in both 2016 and 2024.
Down-ballot, Republicans nominated candidates with direct ties to efforts to challenge the 2020 election. State Rep. Alexander Kolodin, who worked to contest President Biden's 2020 Arizona win, captured the GOP primary for secretary of state and will face Democratic incumbent Adrian Fontes, according to NBC News and The Hill. Senate President Warren Petersen, who turned over 2020 election records to a federal grand jury, won the nomination for attorney general to challenge Democratic incumbent Kris Mayes. Politico noted that the three leading Republicans on the ticket "all played a key role in casting doubt" on Biden's victory.
In the 5th Congressional District, former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb won the GOP primary to succeed Biggs despite allegations of sexual misconduct that his opponent, Daniel Keenan, made central to the race, according to Politico and CBS News. Trump-backed former NFL kicker Jay Feely won the nomination in the battleground 1st District, while Democrats Amish Shah and Marlene Galán-Woods remain locked in a tight primary rematch for the same seat, Fox News reported.
Elsewhere, Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton turned back a primary challenge from progressive organizer Kai Newkirk in the 4th District, and Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani advanced to face Democrat JoAnna Mendoza in a toss-up race Democrats hope to flip, according to The Hill and Fox News.
— Compiled from reporting by NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, Politico, The Hill, Fox News, the Washington Examiner and The New York Times.