Republicans backed by Donald Trump are set to contest a crucial governor election in Arizona, promising a tense battle.

The race for Arizona's governorship in 2026 is heating up, with a competitive Republican primary featuring two main declared candidates – Karrin Taylor Robson and Rep. Andy Biggs – both endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Karrin Taylor Robson, a well-known figure in Arizona politics, is currently viewed as the GOP frontrunner. She has held over 100 campaign events and garnered significant donor support. Rep. Andy Biggs, a prominent member of the conservative Freedom Caucus, is also vying for the Republican nomination.

The primary race could see a shake-up with the potential entry of Rep. David Schweikert, who is considering running. His decision is expected by the end of August 2025. Key Arizona conservatives have approached him, expressing concerns about the current GOP field's ability to defeat Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. If Schweikert enters the race, it would force Republicans to find a new candidate for his currently held highly competitive congressional seat.

Gov. Katie Hobbs, who was elected in 2022, is expected to seek reelection. She is actively fundraising but has not yet formally launched her campaign. She will face the Republican challenger who emerges from the competitive primary.

Key Candidates and Endorsements for the 2026 Arizona Governor Race

| Candidate | Party | Trump Endorsement | Status | Notes | |------------------------|------------|-------------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | Karrin Taylor Robson | Republican | Yes | Declared candidate | Runs as GOP frontrunner, extensive campaign activity | | Andy Biggs | Republican | Yes | Declared candidate | Freedom Caucus member, strong conservative profile | | David Schweikert | Republican | No reported Trump endorsement | Considering entry; decision pending | Longtime Congressman; entry would reshape the race | | Katie Hobbs | Democrat | N/A | Incumbent, expected to run | Elected in 2022, fundraising for reelection |

The Republican primary is expected to attract national attention and significant spending due to Arizona’s battleground status. The winner of the primary will challenge Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in the general election.

A total of 36 governorships are up for election in 2026. In the same year, Arizona voters approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a right to abortion in the state.

Interestingly, Karrin Taylor Robson ran in the 2024 Republican primary for U.S. Senate but lost to 2022 Republican gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, elected in 2022, is actively raising funds for reelection but has not yet formally launched a reelection campaign.

New Hampshire and Vermont are two states where Republican governors are up for reelection in 2026. The 2026 gubernatorial elections in five Democratic-led states won by Trump in 2024 are high-stakes, including Arizona. Two Republican governors in states won by former Vice President Kamala Harris are up for reelection in 2026.

In 2020, Joe Biden narrowly flipped the state to the Democratic column by 10,000 votes. Arizona is a rare state with a slate of Democratic statewide elected officials and a Republican-controlled state legislature.

The 2026 gubernatorial elections in five Democratic-led states won by Trump in 2024 are high-stakes. Arizona is one of these five states. In 2024, Arizona's legislature repealed a pre-statehood 1864 abortion ban after a court decision.

In 2022, Democrats won competitive races for U.S. Senate, governor, and attorney general in Arizona. Kari Lake lost in the general election to Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego in 2024. Arizona has emerged as a critical battleground state in the Trump era.

Trump has endorsed both Rep. Andy Biggs and Karrin Taylor Robson in the Republican primary for Arizona's governor. Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego won his seat in 2024, while President Donald Trump carried the state in the presidential election by over five points.

Republicans backed by Donald Trump are set to contest a crucial governor election in Arizona, promising a tense battle.