Biggs eyes 2026 run for Arizona governor
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Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, the former chair of the Freedom Caucus, is considering running for governor. Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, an ally of President Trump and former chair of the conservative Freedom Caucus, is weighing a run for Arizona governor.
Why it matters: Republicans have high hopes of defeating Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs next year and bringing complete GOP control back to the Arizona Capitol.
Yes, but: Just because a candidate files a statement of interest doesn't mean they'll follow through.
- State law requires candidates to file statements of interest before they can begin collecting signatures to qualify for the ballot.
- Candidates sometimes file statements for one race and then switch to another.
Zoom in: Biggs is a Trump loyalist who could attract support from the GOP's MAGA wing.
- His candidacy could signal other major MAGA candidates are opting out of their own gubernatorial campaigns.
What he's saying: Biggs said in a statement on X that he "will bring my experience home to my native state to help it fulfill its tremendous capacity. I have a firm understanding of what the state needs to thrive."
- He indicated his decision isn't final, writing he looks forward "to conversing with my fellow Arizonans as I consider this weighty decision."
Catch up quick: Biggs chaired the Freedom Caucus from 2019 to 2021 and was among the Republican House insurgents who ousted Kevin McCarthy as speaker.
- Before getting elected to Congress in 2016, Biggs served in the Arizona Legislature, including as Senate president, and practiced law.
The intrigue: Biggs' candidacy could trigger a fight for Trump's endorsement.
- Karrin Taylor Robson, who lost the 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary, is expected to run again next year, and Trump has already suggested a possible endorsement, telling her during a speech in Phoenix last month: "Are you running for governor? I think so, Karrin, because if you do, you're going to have my support, OK?"
- Trump's stated support for Taylor Robson rankled many of the president's supporters.
Between the lines: State Sen. Jake Hoffman, R-Queen Creek, founding chair of the Arizona Freedom Caucus, wrote on X that he's proud to endorse Biggs.
What's next: If Biggs runs for governor, the Republican primary to replace him in the deep-red 5th Congressional District could get crowded. Already, former state Rep. Travis Grantham announced his candidacy later on Tuesday.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with Grantham's candidacy announcement.