Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert are competing in the Arizona Republican primary for governor, presenting divergent strategies for the state's GOP as it navigates a challenging electoral landscape. The race has become a focal point for differing philosophies on how to revive the Republican Party in a state where Democrats currently hold statewide offices.
Biggs, a conservative firebrand and former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, has aligned himself closely with former President Donald Trump and secured his endorsement. His supporters view his hard-line stance and unwavering support for Trump's agenda as a strength that can energize the Republican base. "Biggs lives in a district where if he were a turtle running as a Republican, you’re going to win it," said Kathleen Dunbar, a Biggs voter. "Schweikert lives in a district that’s very much like the state of Arizona, where he has to win the independents."
However, Trump's endorsement has proven to be a double-edged sword in Arizona. While no Republican candidate endorsed by Trump has lost a statewide primary in the state, only one, former Gov. Doug Ducey, has won a statewide general election since 2018. This trend has led to Democrats holding both Senate seats and the top three state offices, despite registered Democrats being outnumbered by Republicans and independents.
In 2022, a slate of Trump-backed Republican nominees, including gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, lost their general election races after adhering to a uncompromising message, which was expected to mobilize the MAGA base. Biggs, while rejecting direct comparisons to Lake, has begun to moderate some of his more extreme positions. He now avoids directly answering questions about the legitimacy of the 2020 election results and highlights instances of bipartisan cooperation.
Schweikert, in contrast, has sought to cultivate an image as a fiscal conservative focused on the federal deficit, largely avoiding overt displays of allegiance to Trump, though he remains a consistent supporter of the former president's policies. He has maintained his House seat in a district with a high concentration of educated, wealthy Republicans who have increasingly distanced themselves from the Trump-era GOP. Voters like Jeff Clark, a retired engineer, express disillusionment with the party's embrace of Trump, stating, "Once they say they’re Trump-sponsored and everything, I’m sorry, it’s just not going to work."
Biggs and Schweikert, both fiscal conservatives representing neighboring districts in the Phoenix suburbs, differ significantly in their political styles. Biggs has built a national profile through his opposition to compromise with Democrats, playing a role in leadership challenges against former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and his successor, Mike Johnson. His supporters, like Don Dobie, appreciate his direct approach and perceived trustworthiness.
Schweikert's campaign strategy hinges on appealing to independent voters, a demographic crucial for Republican success in Arizona. His approach is seen by some as an attempt to revive a more traditional form of Republicanism that has become less common in the state.
The primary is taking place amid broader Republican struggles in Arizona. Michael LoBello, a retiree, believes the party needs to be more aggressive in pushing Trump's priorities, such as the SAVE America election bill, to resonate with voters. "Stand up for the people," LoBello said. "They’re forgetting who they represent, and that’s the people."
The race for governor is not the only contest highlighting the Republican Party's internal dynamics. The primary for Schweikert's House district also features contested races on both the Democratic and Republican sides, indicating the broader battle for influence within the party.