Arizona’s Republican primary for governor has become a clash of competing visions for reviving the once-dominant GOP to take on Katie Hobbs, the most vulnerable Democratic governor in the country. Rep. Andy Biggs, endorsed by President Donald Trump and backed by Turning Point Action, has built his political career as a skilled Republican infighter, but he’s never faced a tough campaign against a Democrat.
Competing Visions
Biggs’ biggest asset is his alliance with Trump. However, Trump’s endorsement is a double-edged sword in Arizona. No Republican has lost a statewide primary with Trump’s backing, but since 2018, only one of them, former Gov. Doug Ducey, has managed to win a statewide general election.
Rep. David Schweikert, meanwhile, is trying to resurrect a version of the party that is becoming increasingly anachronistic. Schweikert has persevered among the genteel, country club set in one of the nation’s most highly educated congressional districts. He managed to hold onto his House seat even as many of the wealthy, highly educated Republicans in his district abandoned the party under Trump.
Primary Election
The primary election has become a test of which vision will prevail. Biggs has taken hard-line, sometimes lonely stances against government spending, while Schweikert has strived to cultivate a public image as a budget wonk obsessed with the federal deficit. The outcome of the primary will determine which candidate will face off against Governor Katie Hobbs in the general election.
Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.
