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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.

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.

Mixed-use high-rise development to transform central Phoenix vacant lot

A 24-story high-rise and mixed-use development could transform Phoenix's arts district.

Construction is underway on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-awaited high-rise apartment building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/12/18/apartments-art-gallery-central-north-downtown" data-vars-content-id="aa4cdf72-7dd6-485d-a036-70489418ff21" data-vars-headline="Mixed-use high-rise development to transform central Phoenix vacant lot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/12/18/apartments-art-gallery-central-north-downtown" target="_self">long-awaited high-rise apartment building</a> that developers say is &quot;expected to become a new landmark along the Central Avenue corridor.&quot;Why it matters: The long-vacant spot on the southwest corner of Central Avenue and McDowell Road is a prime location in one of the Valley&#x27;s most popular and booming areas.

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.

Take the Axios Phoenix news quiz!

See how well you absorbed this week's news.

<figure><img/><div></div></figure><div><iframe name="opinionstage-widget" alt="Opinion Stage Embed" src="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/25432439-9e8e-4d14-b3e1-c74d40263ae0/iframe" data-opinionstage-iframe="25432439-9e8e-4d14-b3e1-c74d40263ae0" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="embed-poll" data-vars-asset-id="25432439-9e8e-4d14-b3e1-c74d40263ae0" data-vars-content-id="e2390e43-aed2-4893-9af5-debb13628e6b" width="100%" height="800" allow="fullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" class="gtmView" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><div style="display:none"></div></div>Time for some trivia! See how well you absorbed this week&#x27;s news with our quiz.🥳 Congratulations to last week&#x27;s perfect scorers: Joe G., Chris M., Trevor S., Lois S., Jose G., Sinclair N., Tracy M., Craig F.Email us at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="phoenix@axios.com" data-vars-click-url="mailto:phoenix@axios.com" data-vars-content-id="e2390e43-aed2-4893-9af5-debb13628e6b" data-vars-headline="Take the Axios Phoenix news quiz!" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="mailto:phoenix@axios.com" target="_blank">phoenix@axios.com</a> with a screenshot of your perfect score for a shoutout next week!

Monument honoring USS Phoenix is coming to Steele Indian School Park

Cold War history is coming alive as work begins on a monument to the USS Phoenix nuclear sub.

Cold War history will come alive in Phoenix as the city begins work on a monument to a very appropriately named submarine.The big picture: The USS Phoenix was a nuclear attack submarine used by the Navy during the latter years of the Cold War.

Democratic governors group pledges $10M to boost Hobbs

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is considered the most vulnerable Democratic governor seeking re-election this year.

The Democratic Governors Association (DGA) announced Tuesday that it&#x27;s making an &quot;initial investment&quot; of $10 million to help Gov. Katie Hobbs win a second term.Why it matters: Hobbs is considered the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most vulnerable Democratic governor" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/USATODAY/status/2078807117536849925?s=20" data-vars-content-id="5780af2b-7578-427a-bddb-663d0b269b94" data-vars-headline="Democratic governors group pledges $10M to boost Hobbs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/USATODAY/status/2078807117536849925?s=20" target="_blank">most vulnerable Democratic governor</a> seeking re-election this year.

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.

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.

Axios Phoenix samples Guy Fieri's Flavortown offerings at Circle K

Guy Fieri's new Circle K offerings are still gas station food, slightly elevated.

When Flavortown comes to your front door, there&#x27;s no choice but to answer the call.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Circle K and Guy Fieri" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/17/guy-fieri-flavortown-food-circle-k-arizona-nevada" data-vars-content-id="2eb83254-8a86-4482-ab14-be776f967cee" data-vars-headline="Axios Phoenix samples Guy Fieri&#x27;s Flavortown offerings at Circle K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/17/guy-fieri-flavortown-food-circle-k-arizona-nevada" target="_self">Circle K and Guy Fieri</a>, host of Food Network&#x27;s &quot;Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,&quot; teamed up to bring some &quot;off the hook&quot; food items to the omnipresent gas station chain.

It&#x27;s trivia time! See how well you absorbed this week&#x27;s news with our quiz.🥳 Congratulations to last week&#x27;s only perfect scorer: Craig F.

2. 💵 Help for problem gamblers

2. Help for problem gamblers

4. 🥗 Salad and Gone

4. Salad and Gone

🕶️ Shade coming to downtown

Shade coming to downtown

📈 Unemployment ticks up

Unemployment ticks up

Feverlines show change in unemployment rates for Phoenix, U.S. and Rapid City, South Dakota.

News 🗞

2. Help for problem gamblers

4. Salad and Gone

Shade coming to downtown

Unemployment ticks up

Final stamp on a silky smooth primary

D-Backs made small deadline splash