Controversy Surrounds Karrin Taylor Robson AZ Gov Launch

As many have expected, Karrin Taylor Robson announced her second bid for Governor, raising some eyebrows across the Republican party. Robson wrapped herself in what she has labeled “an endorsement” last December from then-President-Elect Donald Trump. Some on the right are not happy about this. Those within the Freedom Caucus criticize Robson over her alignment with more traditional Republican figures and her previous criticisms of Trump.

Robson, a businesswoman and former Arizona Board of Regents member, ran for Governor in 2022 but was defeated by Kari Lake in the Republican primary. At the time, Lake received a ringing endorsement from Trump, while Robson’s backers included establishment Republicans, former Vice President Mike Pence, and then-Governor Doug Ducey. Notably, during her previous campaign, Robson distanced herself from Trump, even referring to him as a “drag” on the Republican Party.

Some within the GOP have criticized both Trump’s alleged endorsement and Robson’s anticipated run for Governor. State Senator Jake Hoffman, leader of the Arizona Freedom Caucus, criticized Trump’s endorsement, labeling Robson part of the “Swamp” and expressing concerns over her past support for policies like in-state tuition for certain undocumented students—a stance that he claims runs counter to the party’s traditional platform.

The Arizona Globe briefly spoke to Senator Warren Peterson, who declared, “I am supporting Andy Biggs” when asked about Robson’s announcement. Peterson has recently declared his run for Arizona’s Attorney General position in a showdown against Democrat Attorney General Kris Mayes.

Sean Noble, who recently conducted a poll focused on the gubernatorial race, stated, “Biggs is clearly the GOP’s best shot at recapturing AZ Gov’s office in 2026.”

Andy Biggs led Governor Katie Hobbs 44-43 in the poll, and Hobbs led Robson 40-38.

I commissioned a poll for @AmericanEncore to test the Governors race in 2026. @andybiggs4az leads @katiehobbs 44-43 and Hobbs leads @KTaylorRobson 40-38. Biggs is clearly GOP's best shot at recapturing AZ Gov's office in 2026. pic.twitter.com/PLKabiI1T8

— Sean Noble (@SeanNobleAZDC) February 12, 2025

Political analysts speculate that Trump may support Robson because he believes she is more electable in the general election, especially after Lake’s narrow loss to Democrat Katie Hobbs in 2022. However, this strategy could risk alienating the MAGA base, which remains a powerful force within the party.

Former State Senator Justine Wadsack claims that Trump’s “endorsement” of Robson may be more dubious given that his comments were made “off the cuff” at December’s Amfest and that it was more of a general statement of support rather than an “official” endorsement.

Karrin was not “endorsed” by Trump. He “supported” her idea of a future run…

… but that was before @andybiggs4az entered the race.

This isn’t the same chess board it was in December. There are new pieces in play, and the game is fast paced. Try to keep up!

— Justine Wadsack (@Wadsack4Arizona) February 12, 2025

Robson’s critics argue that her sudden embrace of Trump’s endorsement “smacks of political opportunism.” Her previous denunciations of Trump and her alignment with establishment Republicans raise questions about her authenticity and commitment to the principles she now claims to uphold. Former Senator Justine Wadsack also posted a detailed graphic entitled, “Why Is Karrin Taylor Robson Wrong for Arizona Governor?”

Why is Karrin Taylor Robson wrong for Arizona Governor?
Here are a few reasons why!
👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/pb8xFrQ9kY

— Justine Wadsack (@Wadsack4Arizona) February 12, 2025

Trump has so far been silent on the controversy, and given the breakneck pace at which he’s moving on the nation’s critical issues, it’s unclear when or if he will. The Globe will continue to follow this evolving story.