Who is running for Arizona governor in 2026? Here are the candidates

Arizona Republicans will decide their gubernatorial nominee in July to challenge Democratic Governor Katie Hobgs in the November 2026 election. Rep. Andy Biggs has emerged as the frontrunner, leading in polling and fundraising while outpacing Rep. David Schweikert, his closest rival. Two lesser-known candidates, Scott Neely and Ken Miceli, trail behind in visibility. Biggs, representing Arizona’s 5th Congressional District since 2016, has a long record of conservative votes, including opposition to tax increases and support for Senate Bill 1070, a controversial immigration enforcement measure. Biggs has positioned himself as a close ally of former President Donald Trump, who endorsed his campaign. As a state lawmaker, he served as Senate president and proposed cutting Medicaid enrollment to under 100,000 in 2011. His campaign has focused on affordability, particularly gas prices, though he has faced criticism for inconsistent messaging. Schweikert, another congressman, remains a distant second in fundraising and support. Hobbs, Arizona’s first Democratic governor in 28 years, leads in voter matchups against both Biggs and Schweikert. The race has been shaped by past efforts to challenge the 2020 election results, including Biggs’ objections to Trump’s loss. Smaller parties, including the Green Party and No Labels Party, are also holding primaries, though their impact is limited by their combined 1% share of Arizona voters. Early voting begins June 24, with ballots set to be mailed out on the same day. The Republican primary in July will determine whether Biggs or another candidate faces Hobbs in November, marking a pivotal moment for Arizona’s political future.