MCRC Slams Schweikert’s Racism Claim Against Biggs

The Executive Board of the Maricopa County Republican Committee (MCRC) issued a sharp rebuke Tuesday night of campaign messaging from Congressman David Schweikert’s gubernatorial campaign, accusing it of deploying “false and lazy accusations” against fellow Republican Congressman Andy Biggs. In a formal statement, the MCRC said it “strongly condemns mailers and public statements issued by the David Schweikert for Governor campaign against Congressman Andy Biggs,” specifically criticizing allegations characterizing Biggs as tied to racism or white supremacy.

“False and lazy accusations of racism and white supremacy have no place in a Republican primary,” the board stated. “These claims represent desperate Democrat-style politics that substitute character smears for honest debate over policy and governance.”

The board went further, asserting that “there is no credible evidence that Congressman Andy Biggs holds racist or white supremacist views,” and warning that such attacks distract from substantive policy discussions Republican voters expect during a competitive primary.

The statement highlights growing friction in what is shaping up to be a high-profile Republican primary contest for Arizona governor, with both Schweikert and Biggs representing different factions and strategic approaches within the party.

Biggs, a former Arizona Senate President and current U.S. Representative for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, is widely aligned with the conservative grassroots wing of the party. Biggs has built his political identity around limited government, border security, and constitutional conservatism, and has been a prominent figure in the House Freedom Caucus.  Biggs is endorsed by Turning Point Action and by its founders, Mrs. Ericka Kirk and the late Charlie Kirk.

David Schweikert, who represents Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, has positioned himself as a policy-focused conservative emphasizing fiscal issues, economic reform, and entitlement sustainability. Schweikert has previously faced ethics scrutiny in Congress, including a 2020 House Ethics Committee investigation that resulted in a formal reprimand and fines related to campaign finance violations.

The clash between the two campaigns reflects a broader strategic divide: Biggs appeals to grassroots and ideological conservatives, while Schweikert has often leaned into data-driven policy messaging and a more technocratic governing approach. The Maricopa County GOP’s statement calls for an immediate shift in tone.

“We are disappointed that a fellow Republican would resort to such tactics rather than engage in the substantive contest of ideas that Republican voters expect and deserve,” the board said.

The committee urged all candidates to refocus on policy and the general election, emphasizing unity against Democratic leadership in Arizona.

The statement also pivoted to criticize Katie Hobbs, citing a prior discrimination case during her tenure as Secretary of State.

“The real record of racial misconduct belongs to Katie Hobbs whose actions resulted in a jury verdict for $2.75 million for discrimination and retaliation,” the board stated, referencing a widely reported lawsuit involving a former state employee.

The MCRC further criticized Hobbs’ past interactions with the media, although those claims have been politically contested.

With Arizona continuing to serve as a national political battleground, the tone and direction of the Republican primary could have significant implications for the general election. The MCRC’s intervention signals concern among party leadership that internal attacks could weaken the eventual nominee in a state where margins remain tight.