Two Republican congressmen vying for the Arizona gubernatorial nomination presented themselves at a recent debate as the strongest contenders capable of defeating Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, citing the state's affordability challenges as a key issue. U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, who has secured former President Donald Trump's endorsement, positioned himself as the front-runner with the broad appeal necessary to win. He asserted his competitiveness against Hobbs based on available polling data and highlighted his extensive experience.
Biggs has served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing a Republican-dominated district and previously chairing the conservative U.S. House Freedom Caucus. His prior experience includes significant time in the Arizona Legislature from 2003 to 2016, during which he served as president of the state Senate. During his legislative tenure, Biggs engaged in disputes with then-Republican Gov. Jan Brewer over Medicaid expansion and championed school choice initiatives and legislation targeting abortion providers. He has been a vocal defender of former President Trump and has supported claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen.
U.S. Rep. David Schweikert also emphasized his electability, particularly in light of his past successes in fending off Democratic challengers. Schweikert pointed to his focus on fiscal matters and efforts to attract new businesses to Arizona as differentiating factors. He characterized his opponents as lacking direct electoral battle experience.
Schweikert, who has represented an affluent district for eight terms, has made government debt and the federal budget deficit central themes of his congressional career. He has supported the 2017 tax cuts but advocated for increased spending reductions to address federal borrowing. Schweikert's congressional career has faced scrutiny due to ethics investigations, resulting in fines related to campaign finance violations. He previously served in the Arizona House and as Maricopa County treasurer.
Businessman Scott Neely, who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2022, expressed concern that a primary victory for Biggs could jeopardize the Republican party's chances in the general election. The winner of the Republican primary on July 21 will advance to face Governor Hobbs, who is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination.
Regarding state economic policies, Biggs voiced support for Arizona's recent decision to implement a three-year moratorium on tax incentives for new data centers, a stance also shared by Governor Hobbs. Biggs argued that these centers, which consume significant amounts of power and water, should not receive preferential tax treatment.
Schweikert described Arizona's affordability rankings as "pretty miserable" but stated that lower consumer prices are not automatic. He pledged to actively recruit businesses to the state and promote wage growth. On the issue of healthcare, both candidates addressed expired Affordable Care Act subsidies. Schweikert suggested that widespread economic subsidization is unsustainable, while Biggs pointed to legislation he introduced to lower healthcare costs and expressed support for a proposal to provide direct payments for health savings accounts.