U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, R‑Arizona, is centering his campaign for governor on three core issues that he says affect everyday Arizonans: keeping the state affordable, securing a reliable water supply, and strengthening border security.
Affordability and Tax Policy
Biggs told host Greg Bishop on the podcast The States that Arizona has slipped from “one of the most affordable states” to “one of the least affordable states” during Gov. Katie Hobbs’ tenure. He cited state rankings on educational attainment as evidence of the decline.
While acknowledging Arizona’s competitive overall tax rankings from groups such as the Tax Foundation, Biggs argued the state should follow the national trend toward eliminating the state income tax. He says doing so would restore Arizona’s reputation as a low‑cost place to live and work.
Water Management
Water policy has become a flashpoint in the race. Biggs criticized Hobbs’ reliance on conservation alone for the state’s Colorado River allotment, noting that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s plan calls for cuts in Arizona, California, and Nevada but spares Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
“We have tremendous stores of underground water that we’ve been saving for decades,” Biggs said. He proposes expanding extraction, cleaning, and distribution infrastructure to support future growth, rather than depending solely on reduced usage.
Border Security and Immigration
Biggs accused Hobbs of being an “open borders advocate,” pointing to the repeal of previous barrier initiatives and the defunding of Arizona’s border‑security strike force. He supports close cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect Arizona families and communities.
Hobbs, for her part, has highlighted a recent television ad that emphasizes her record on delivering border security, supporting law enforcement, and investing in public safety.
Legislative Record and Governance
Biggs also took issue with Hobbs’ frequent use of the veto pen, noting a high volume of vetoed bills during her term. He highlighted his own legislative experience in the Arizona House, Senate, and U.S. Congress as evidence of his ability to build bipartisan consensus on water and rural health‑care funding.
Republicans currently control a majority in both chambers of the Arizona Legislature, though they lack enough seats to override a Democratic governor’s vetoes.
Right‑to‑Work Stance
Biggs reaffirmed his support for Arizona’s right‑to‑work status, explaining that employees in unionized workplaces are not required to pay dues or fees as a condition of employment. He contrasted Arizona’s policy with states that enforce mandatory union membership.
Campaign Outlook
Hobbs has framed the election as a choice between stable, Arizona‑first leadership and what she describes as “Washington‑style division.” Biggs counters that the incumbent has avoided public debates and forums to defend her record, and he argues that Arizona is fundamentally a center‑right state ready for a new direction.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
