Hobbs declines in-person debate against Republican nominee Andy Biggs

Arizona Republican Primary Elections·Latest event August 23, 2026

Aug 23

Hobbs declines in-person debate against Republican nominee Andy Biggs

The governor announced she will not participate in a televised debate, repeating a strategy from her 2022 campaign. Biggs currently faces challenges in recent polling, which Newsweek reported are partly due to Trump's unpopularity in the state. While Trump has endorsed Biggs, Trump's standing in Arizona remains a hurdle for the campaign.

Trump's unpopularity hangs over Andy Biggs in ArizonaKatie Hobbs again refuses in-person face-off against GOP opponent

Aug 11

Hobbs selects former Mesa Mayor John Giles as running mate for Arizona re-election bid

Governor Katie Hobbs formally announced former Mesa Mayor John Giles as her running mate for her re-election campaign on Tuesday. Giles is a former Republican who previously led the state's third largest city. The choice follows earlier reports that Hobbs intended to form a bipartisan ticket to attract centrist voters. The announcement follows the victory of Representative Andy Biggs in the Republican nomination for the Arizona gubernatorial race. Biggs was part of a sweep of the state's primary elections by candidates endorsed by Trump. Hobbs and Giles will face the Republican ticket in the November general election.

Hobbs picks former Mesa Mayor Giles as running mateArizona Gov. Katie Hobbs chooses former Republican as running mate in re-election bidArizona's Democratic Governor Set to Pick a Republican Running Mate

Jul 22

Trump-backed candidates win Arizona Republican primaries

Republican voters selected Representative Andy Biggs to challenge incumbent Governor Katie Hobbs in the general election. Biggs and other Trump-endorsed candidates secured victories across the state, including nominations for the House and the top election official. The primary results solidified a Republican ticket featuring several candidates who have questioned the 2020 election results. Former professional athlete Jay Feely also won his primary as part of the success for candidates aligned with the former president. These outcomes suggest a continued shift toward Trump-aligned leadership within the state party. The matchup between Biggs and Hobbs sets the stage for a contest as Republicans attempt to reclaim the governor's office. Voters supported Trump-backed candidates in several races throughout the night.

6 Takeaways From Arizona's Tense, Trump-Dominated PrimariesSix takeaways from Arizona's tense, Trump-dominated primariesHow Trump-backed candidates performed in Arizona's primaries