Rep. Andy Biggs Weighs Arizona Gubernatorial Bid as Trump Influence Looms

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) — In a move that could shake up Arizona politics, U.S. Representative Andy Biggs, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, has announced he is considering a run for governor of Arizona. His potential candidacy comes amid the increasing influence of Trump’s supporters in Arizona’s Republican Party, as well as the growing presence of groups like Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in state politics.

On the day after President Trump was inaugurated in 2017, Biggs took to social media, making a significant announcement regarding his political future. “I have been honored to serve Arizona at the state and federal levels and will bring my experience home to my native state to help it fulfill its tremendous capacity,” Biggs wrote. “I look forward to conversing with my fellow Arizonans as I consider this weighty decision.”

Biggs, a Republican, has represented Arizona’s 5th Congressional District since 2016, encompassing communities such as Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and Apache Junction. Before serving in Congress, Biggs spent 14 years in the Arizona Legislature, where he earned a reputation as a conservative lawmaker who frequently challenged the political establishment. His deep ties to Arizona and extensive political experience make him a formidable contender in the state’s gubernatorial race, but the road ahead will not be easy.

The Current Political Landscape

Currently, Arizona’s governor seat is held by Democrat Katie Hobbs, who will remain in office until 2026. Hobbs has not yet indicated whether she plans to seek re-election, leaving the race wide open for Republican candidates. The next election, scheduled for November 2026, will be a pivotal moment for the state’s political future. However, one key figure in the race could complicate Biggs’ potential bid: former Arizona businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson.

Trump, who secured Arizona’s electoral votes in 2024, made his preference clear during a victory speech in Phoenix in December. “Karrin, are you running for governor? I think so, Karrin,” Trump said, signaling his endorsement of Robson should she decide to enter the race. Robson, who previously ran for governor in 2022, lost the Republican primary to Kari Lake, a former news anchor who later lost bids for both governor and Senate. But should Robson decide to run again in 2026, she will enter the race with the backing of a newly-formed political action committee (PAC), “Building A Better Arizona,” which has strong ties to Trump’s inner circle.

The involvement of Trump and his supporters in the Arizona GOP primary adds complexity to what could be a crowded field. While Robson has Trump’s backing, Biggs, who has long been a member of the House Freedom Caucus, has also demonstrated loyalty to the former president, particularly during Trump’s first impeachment and his presidency. As a result, Biggs faces the challenge of navigating a Republican primary that may split support between competing factions.

Biggs’ Background and Political Stance

Rep. Andy Biggs’ political career has been marked by his unflinching conservatism. He was a vocal critic of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and has often taken a hardline stance on government spending, standing in opposition to measures he viewed as overly expansive or inefficient. As a member of the House Freedom Caucus, Biggs has positioned himself as a staunch defender of limited government and fiscal conservatism. He is also a staunch advocate for conservative social policies, particularly regarding abortion, gun rights, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Biggs is no stranger to Arizona politics. He has spent over a decade in public service, with his tenure in Congress highlighting his commitment to issues such as securing the southern border, reducing government overreach, and limiting federal influence in states’ affairs. His conservative credentials make him a popular figure among Arizona Republicans who favor a more hardline approach to governance.

Biggs is also one of nine members of Congress who belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), a factor that may influence his political appeal in a state with a sizable LDS population. His connections to the Mormon community, combined with his loyalty to Trump, could help secure his base in Arizona. Biggs was also involved in the Latter-day Saints for Trump coalition, which supported the former president during the 2020 election.

Trump’s Influence and Arizona’s Divided Republican Party

Trump’s endorsement of Karrin Taylor Robson has already sparked division within the Arizona Republican Party. While some are rallying behind Robson, others, including Biggs and his allies, argue that Trump’s influence should not overshadow the will of Arizona’s grassroots conservatives. The divide between Trump’s supporters and figures like Biggs reflects broader tensions within the GOP, particularly over issues such as the direction of the party and its future in a state that has become increasingly competitive in national elections.

Turning Point USA, led by Charlie Kirk, has emerged as a powerful force within Arizona’s political landscape. TPUSA has worked to solidify its influence within the Republican Party, pushing for policies that reflect its brand of conservatism. Some of TPUSA’s top figures have voiced their support for Biggs, including Tyler Bowyer, the COO of Turning Point Action, who praised the congressman’s commitment to conservative values.

Bowyer tweeted, “Biggs’ family is incredible. He’s maybe the most intelligent public servant we’ve ever had, and he is a COMPLETE and TOTAL conservative.” Arizona state Sen. Jake Hoffman, a TPUSA ally, also endorsed Biggs, accusing Robson of being part of the “Arizona Swamp” and criticizing her ties to the political establishment.

Challenges and Fundraising Hurdles

Despite his strong political credentials, Biggs faces a number of challenges in his pursuit of the Arizona governor’s seat. One of the most significant hurdles is fundraising. Although Biggs has some allies within the Freedom Caucus who may help him secure financial backing, he has not historically been known for his fundraising prowess. Robson, by contrast, has already garnered the support of major Republican donors and PACs, putting her in a stronger position financially.

Chuck Coughlin, a political consultant in Arizona, notes that Biggs will need to raise significant funds to remain competitive in what is expected to be an expensive primary race. However, Coughlin also points out that Biggs may struggle to build a broader coalition of support, particularly among moderate Republicans, given his hardline conservative stance.

The Road Ahead

As the 2026 Arizona gubernatorial race approaches, it remains uncertain how the Republican primary will shake out. Biggs, with his deep ties to the conservative base and his history of loyalty to Trump, may prove to be a strong contender. However, the influence of TPUSA and Trump’s endorsement of Robson complicate the race, potentially leading to a split in support among Arizona Republicans.

The dynamics of Arizona’s Republican primary, coupled with the influence of national figures like Trump and Kirk, will play a critical role in determining the outcome. For now, Biggs is focused on engaging with voters and considering the weighty decision of whether to run for governor. As he weighs his options, Arizona’s political future remains uncertain, and his next move could have a lasting impact on the state’s direction.

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