Schweikert jumps into GOP primary for Arizona governor race
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U.S. Rep. David Schweikert is joining in the battle for the GOP nomination in next year's gubernatorial race. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call Inc. via Getty Images
U.S. Rep. David Schweikert is jumping into Arizona's governor's race, shaking up what looked like a two-way GOP contest for the Republican nomination.
Why it matters: His entry transforms the fight for the GOP nomination as Republicans look to unseat Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.
What he's saying: "I've grown to believe Washington ... is unsavable," Schweikert told Axios. "I do believe Arizona is savable."
State of play: Schweikert is skeptical that U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs or Karrin Taylor Robson can win the general election in November 2026.
- He argued his track record in the highly competitive 1st Congressional District, which covers northeast Phoenix, much of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Fountain Hills, shows he can win in purple Arizona.
- "Find me someone as conservative as I am who has done as well" with a competitive electorate, he said.
Zoom out: Robson has poured millions of her own money into TV ads, while Biggs has received support from Turning Point USA's political action committee.
- Though they have a significant head start, his campaign still has "plenty of runway," Schweikert told Axios.
Yes, but: Both Robson and Biggs already have President Trump's backing — a crucial advantage Schweikert lacks.
- Trump publicly backed Robson last December but announced in April he was endorsing both her and Biggs.
Schweikert said he can counter by showing voters that on many of the issues that matter to them, he's the "actual conservative."
Between the lines: Biggs has emerged as a MAGA favorite. Robson, once an establishment pick, has recast herself as a Trump loyalist.
- Schweikert said his base will be "real, traditional conservatives," but predicted he'll also get sizable support from MAGA voters.
Flashback: Schweikert, who's known as a fiscal policy wonk, won his first congressional race in 2010 and has since survived multiple tough races in his swing district.
What's next: Schweikert plans to officially launch his campaign Oct. 1. The primary election is Aug. 4, 2026.
What we're watching: His gubernatorial campaign leaves Republicans without a candidate in his crucial swing district, which Democrats have high hopes of winning next year.
- Numerous Democrats are already in the race, including 2024 contenders Marlene Galán-Woods and Amish Shah, as well as Mark Robert Gordon, Rick McCartney and Jonathan Treble.