AZs Hoffman First to Endorse Biggs for Governor

Shortly after Congressman Andy Biggs (R-CD5) filed a “statement of interest” to run for Governor of Arizona, State Senator Jake Hoffman (R-LD15) became the first elected official to endorse Biggs’ effort.

“I believe Arizonans are ready to have the chains of government thrown off and unleash a future brighter than we could have ever dreamt possible, which is why I’m proud to support Congressman Biggs’ return home to lead our state as the next Governor,” Hoffman exclusively told the Arizona Globe. “Arizona is at a crossroads,” he added, warning that the state could fall “further into the despotism of California-style Democrat control.”

The 2026 race for Arizona’s Governorship was already a hotly anticipated match-up. Given Hoffman’s role as the leader of Arizona’s Freedom Caucus, his endorsement adds significant weight, all but guaranteeing that the Biggs’ campaign will draw considerable interest from bonafide conservatives.

Although a “statement of interest” is not quite the same as a full declaration of his intent to run, it’s unlikely that Biggs will back out. It’s no secret that Republicans have been clamoring to find a “true conservative” to challenge Democrat Governor Hobbs once businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson started to show serious interest in running. Hoffman’s support of Biggs will likely include more than just kind words.

Hoffman has the trust of conservative activists and organizations throughout the state due, in part, to his “firebrand” style. As a result, Hoffman’s endorsement will likely carry immense firepower – bad news for Robson in a primary and for Hobbs in the general election. The Arizona Freedom Caucus has already followed Hoffman with its own endorsement.

In a January 2025 press release, the Freedom Caucus stated, “Congressman Andy Biggs has been one of Arizona’s most effective leaders for decades in both the Arizona Legislature and the U.S. Congress.” Biggs is a longtime leader of the original Freedom Caucus, which garnered a reputation for its members being hardline conservative hawks in the House of Representatives.

State Rep. Rachel Jones also endorsed Biggs, saying she “enthusiastically” supports Biggs for Governor. Biggs spent 14 years in the Arizona legislature before becoming an 8-year member of the U.S. Congress.

In a statement he released upon announcing his candidacy, Biggs said he has a “firm understanding of what the state needs to thrive” as he “considers this weighty decision.”

The Arizona Globe will continue to follow the upcoming Gubernatorial race and the underlying primaries that will determine the final candidates.