Hoffman Claims Trump’s Biggs Nod is ‘Death Knell’ to Robson

President Donald Trump has endorsed both Karrin Taylor Robson(R) and Rep. Andy Biggs (R) in Arizona’s 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary. This dual endorsement will likely intensify the race, stirring up debate within the state’s GOP ranks and providing cover for politicians unwilling to commit at this time.

Trump posted on Truth Social: “I like Karrin Taylor Robson of Arizona a lot, and when she asked me to Endorse her, with nobody else running, I Endorsed her, and was happy to do so. When Andy Biggs decided to run for GoverGovernorte unexpectedly, I had a problem — Two fantastic candidates, two terrific people, two wonderful champions, and it is therefore my Great Honor TO GIVE MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT TO BOTH. Either one will never let you down. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Trump’s statement has prompted some Robson critics to focus on his phrase, “when nobody else is running,” interpreting it as a potential slight or reconsideration of his support.

Sen. Jake Hoffman (R-LD15), Arizona’s Republican National Committeeman, weighed in on the development, telling the Arizona Globe: “President Trump’s endorsement of Andy Biggs to be Arizona’s next governor is a death knell for Karrin. It’s over, she’s done. Arizona Republicans can now unite for 2026 and focus on rebuilding our state from the disastrous tenure of Katie Hobbs.”

Hoffman is the senior-ranking party official in Arizona and has been a fierce proponent of Biggs.

Robson thanked President Trump in what some have characterized as an odd statement: “Today, @realDonaldTrump reaffirmed what he told me in December when he urged me to run on stage: That he supports me & has fully endorsed my Arizona First campaign.”

Trump’s endorsement comes amid an increasingly competitive primary landscape, despite a recent Club for Growth poll showing Biggs leading Robson by 29 points among likely GOP primary voters. However, the poll shows 39% are still undecided, leaving significant open territory for each campaign. The Club for Growth, known for its influence on Republican primaries, has yet to officially endorse a candidate but previously supported Biggs in his congressional races.

Biggs is favored by the “America First” caucus, with Robson considered a more establishment Republican candidate.