After months of speculation, Congressman David Schweikert (R-CD1) has formally entered the 2026 Arizona governor’s race. His decision reshapes the Republican primary, negatively so in the eyes of ardent proponents of Congressman Andy Biggs. Critics were quick to note that Schweikert’s campaign launch stumbled by announcing without a functioning website.

Schweikert has represented Arizona in Congress for over a decade, establishing a solid reputation as a fiscal conservative with a focus on tax policy, federal spending, and regulatory restraint. His move into the governor’s race was rumored for months, with many political observers wondering whether he would risk leaving a safe seat in Washington for the uncertainty of a crowded statewide contest. Schweikert joins a Republican field already featuring several high-profile candidates, including Karrin Taylor Robson, a businesswoman and developer who ran for governor in 2022, and Congressman Andy Biggs (R-CD5), a respected member of the House Freedom Caucus.

Robson has the advantage of immense personal wealth, deep connections in Arizona’s business community, and the backing of a well-organized political operation. She also secured an early endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who praised her loyalty and business record. Biggs, on the other hand, has carved out a reputation as one of the most outspoken conservatives in Congress. He appeals to grassroots activists and has built a strong network among the state’s populist Republican base. Biggs also subsequently earned a dual endorsement from President Trump.

The greatest surge of enthusiasm on the Republican side has been for Biggs, who received open backing from Turning Point USA and its late founder, Charlie Kirk. Kirk made clear that Biggs is his choice and suggested it would be a mistake for Schweikert to enter the race at all. The Kirk effect could be decisive in a Republican primary, as Turning Point’s national youth network has grown into one of the most influential activist machines on the right. Their ability to organize rallies, flood social media, and energize college and high school Republicans has helped push conservative candidates over the top in other Arizona races. Biggs will benefit from that enthusiasm as he works to consolidate the party’s populist base.

On the Democrat side, Governor Katie Hobbs has already filed for reelection and is expected to avoid any serious primary challenger. Hobbs won narrowly in 2022, defeating Kari Lake by a slim margin in a race that captured national attention. Her victory highlighted the razor-thin balance of power in Arizona, where Democrats have made gains in recent years but still face intense Republican competition. Hobbs enters the race with the advantages of incumbency, name recognition, and a record of governing. Still, Republicans view her as vulnerable in a midterm environment where economic concerns and border policy may take precedence.

The stakes of the 2026 race are heightened by Arizona’s new system that requires candidates for governor to run on a joint ticket with a lieutenant governor. For the first time, voters will select a governor and lieutenant governor together, which means each candidate’s choice of running mate could play a critical role. Analysts suggest that a strategic choice, such as pairing a conservative with a moderate or selecting a partner from a different region of the state, could influence the outcome.

The Republican primary will likely be determined by the energy of the conservative base, especially the “Kirk” effect. Scott Mussi, President of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, provided the Globe with a succinct comment that reflects the view of many state conservative insiders.

Mussi told the Globe, “The polling shows that Congressman Biggs has a commanding lead in the Republican primary, irrespective of whether it’s a two-person or three-person race. If anything, Schweikert’s entrance will only hurt Robson since he will pull more donors and support from her than from Biggs.”

The Globe will follow this story and provide updates as they occur.