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Andy Biggs taps Sine Kerr as his pick for lieutenant governor

Arizona voters overwhelmingly voted to create the lieutenant governor position in 2022.

News

U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, the GOP nominee for Arizona governor, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced on Friday" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/andybiggs4az/status/2083165809439134026?s=20" data-vars-content-id="5742a76e-1656-46dc-a74f-c46264427261" data-vars-headline="Andy Biggs taps Sine Kerr as his pick for lieutenant governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/andybiggs4az/status/2083165809439134026?s=20" target="_blank">announced on Friday</a> his pick for the newly created position of lieutenant governor: former state lawmaker Sine Kerr.Why it matters: Kerr essentially will be Biggs&#x27; running mate, and her record and views will affect how the far-right Biggs can appeal to mainstream conservatives as he runs to unseat Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.

Gallego and Kelly talk possible 2028 runs for president

Arizona's two U.S. senators both have big decisions to make about running for president in 2028.

Arizona&#x27;s two Democratic U.S. senators are still fueling talk of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="possible presidential campaigns in 2028" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/12/05/kelly-gallego-2028-presidential-buzz" data-vars-content-id="5b785058-d405-406c-bb53-b4e631fe1305" data-vars-headline="Gallego and Kelly talk possible 2028 runs for president" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/12/05/kelly-gallego-2028-presidential-buzz" target="_self">possible presidential campaigns in 2028</a>.The big picture: No Arizonan has ever been elected president.

Chandler Fashion Center bets big on dining and entertainment

The mall is adding restaurants, entertainment and gathering space.

Chandler Fashion Center thinks it&#x27;s got the bones to become the East Valley&#x27;s premier dining destination — and it&#x27;s launching a massive remodel to pull it off. Why it matters: Several Valley malls have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed in recent years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/04/07/phoenix-area-malls-survive-adapt-despite-industry-decline" data-vars-content-id="9675d4ac-09d8-4956-ad48-3f2bf272ca8d" data-vars-headline="Chandler Fashion Center bets big on dining and entertainment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/04/07/phoenix-area-malls-survive-adapt-despite-industry-decline" target="_self">closed in recent years</a> as retailers scaled back their brick-and-mortar operations.

Taiwan opening Phoenix diplomatic hub as semiconductor industry booms

Taiwan is establishing a diplomatic presence in Phoenix as TSMC continues its Arizona expansion.

As Taiwan&#x27;s biggest business continues to expand in Phoenix, the country&#x27;s foreign ministry is establishing a diplomatic presence as well.Why it matters: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) is transforming the Valley and shows no signs of slowing its growth, and that has spurred an influx of Taiwanese people to Arizona.

Andy Biggs plays it safe with his lieutenant governor pick

Biggs announced Kerr as his lieutenant governor pick on Friday.

Election

Former state lawmaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sine Kerr" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/31/andy-biggs-arizona-lt-governor" data-vars-content-id="3b6de569-4432-4399-afee-a4f85d79f718" data-vars-headline="Andy Biggs plays it safe with his lieutenant governor pick" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/31/andy-biggs-arizona-lt-governor" target="_self">Sine Kerr</a>, U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Andy Biggs&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/22/andy-biggs-republican-primary-win-schweikert-katie-hobbs" data-vars-content-id="3b6de569-4432-4399-afee-a4f85d79f718" data-vars-headline="Andy Biggs plays it safe with his lieutenant governor pick" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/22/andy-biggs-republican-primary-win-schweikert-katie-hobbs" target="_self">Andy Biggs&#x27;</a> running mate in his bid for governor, isn&#x27;t considered as politically extreme as he is — but she probably won&#x27;t broaden the congressman&#x27;s appeal, veteran political consultants tell Axios.Why it matters: Kerr is strongly conservative. But Biggs, who is considered one of the most extreme members of Congress, needs to woo moderate Republicans and independents to beat incumbent Gov. Katie Hobbs in November.

Scottsdale's election math, explained

The city has an unusual election formula that will shape the November ballot.

The eight-candidate Scottsdale City Council election free-for-all hit a mathematical wall Tuesday night.Why it matters: The race garnered intrigue in recent months over law enforcement technology company <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axon&#x27;s alleged election meddling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/25/scottsdale-city-council-candidates-election-axon-letter" data-vars-content-id="8dcc556f-1026-4c15-bfb0-e3df849ca017" data-vars-headline="Scottsdale&#x27;s election math, explained" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/25/scottsdale-city-council-candidates-election-axon-letter" target="_self">Axon&#x27;s alleged election meddling</a>.

Maricopa County election feud escalates over drop boxes

This time, county officials are fighting over who controls ballot drop boxes.

With the primary two months away, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="feud between Maricopa County&#x27;s election officials" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/19/republican-feud-election-oversight-midterms" data-vars-content-id="477f3ae0-23bd-47dc-a54e-4f6af0d02b5d" data-vars-headline="Maricopa County election feud escalates over drop boxes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/19/republican-feud-election-oversight-midterms" target="_self">feud between Maricopa County&#x27;s election officials</a> has hit a new low.Why it matters: The drama is casting doubt on the election system in a critical swing state ahead of the midterms.

How Trump's mail voting order could affect Arizona voters

Arizona officials will challenge a Trump order affecting how mail ballots are sent.

Arizona is again in the crosshairs of President Trump&#x27;s mission to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationalize elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/save-america-act-trump-nationalize-elections" data-vars-content-id="107a3dd6-dff7-455f-895f-cff4673c604c" data-vars-headline="How Trump&#x27;s mail voting order could affect Arizona voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/save-america-act-trump-nationalize-elections" target="_self">nationalize elections</a> and limit voting by mail.Why it matters: The vast majority of Arizonans cast mail ballots, and critics say Trump&#x27;s latest move would disenfranchise some of those voters ahead of a crucial November election in the battleground state.

It's Election Day in Tempe

Seven candidates are vying for three seats in the March 10 election.

Tuesday is Election Day in Tempe, with seven <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="candidates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tempe.gov/government/city-clerk-s-office/election-information/meet-your-city-council-candidates" data-vars-content-id="eb3bc0da-1703-47e3-a76f-00a22c6a89cb" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s Election Day in Tempe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tempe.gov/government/city-clerk-s-office/election-information/meet-your-city-council-candidates" target="_blank">candidates</a> vying for three City Council seats, so make sure to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cast your ballot" data-vars-click-url="https://elections.maricopa.gov/voting/where-to-vote.html" data-vars-content-id="eb3bc0da-1703-47e3-a76f-00a22c6a89cb" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s Election Day in Tempe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://elections.maricopa.gov/voting/where-to-vote.html" target="_blank">cast your ballot</a> by 7pm.State of play: Three incumbent councilmembers — Jennifer Adams, Arlene Chin and Berdetta Hodge — are seeking reelection.

Maricopa County 2025 election results

Voters throughout Maricopa County had a handful of local issues to weigh.

Voters throughout Maricopa County had a handful of local issues to weigh this election cycle.Zoom in: Here&#x27;s how results shook out as of 7pm on Thursday. More than 672,000 ballots have been tabulated, and just over 36,000 remain uncounted.

Spilsbury concedes in Mesa City Council recall election

Julie Spilsbury lost her seat in a high-turnout recall election shaped by national politics.

Mesa City Councilmember Julie Spilsbury conceded defeat in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recall election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/10/23/mesa-city-council-recall-election-julie-spilsbury-dorean-taylor" data-vars-content-id="e300b88e-8ab6-4ea8-98cb-fcc2ab75f369" data-vars-headline="Spilsbury concedes in Mesa City Council recall election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/10/23/mesa-city-council-recall-election-julie-spilsbury-dorean-taylor" target="_self">recall election</a> that pitted the Kamala Harris-endorsing Republican against an opponent backed by the conservative activist group Turning Point.The big picture: The race has largely revolved around national political flashpoints, including support for President Trump and transgender policy issues.

How to vote in Arizona's Nov. 4 local elections

Mail-in ballots, drop box locations and replacement deadlines—all in one place.

Off-year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/politics" data-vars-content-id="a7da95b4-b774-4f4e-ab13-487fad84bdcd" data-vars-headline="How to vote in Arizona&#x27;s Nov. 4 local elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/politics" target="_self">elections</a> tend to garner a lot less attention, but there are still important, hyper-local issues worth your time this Nov. 4.Why it matters: In these lower-turnout races, each vote carries significant weight.

What school bonds and overrides do

These voter-approved tools help districts fund repairs, teachers and programs.

About 20 Valley school districts are asking voters to increase their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="funding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/02/federal-revenue-schools-map" data-vars-content-id="47bc4ba3-f1b9-4a6a-9507-60e43034fe4c" data-vars-headline="What school bonds and overrides do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/02/federal-revenue-schools-map" target="_self">funding</a> through mechanisms called bonds and overrides.Why it matters: School districts argue the money they receive from the state isn&#x27;t enough to maintain programs like art and music classes or make necessary building repairs.

Election 🗳️

Andy Biggs plays it safe with his lieutenant governor pick

Scottsdale's election math, explained

Maricopa County election feud escalates over drop boxes

How Trump's mail voting order could affect Arizona voters

It's Election Day in Tempe