IN FOCUS - Aug. 29, 2025

It wouldn’t be a high stakes Republican Primary in Arizona without serious melodrama. 

The race for Arizona Governor may soon get more crowded as GOP Congressman David Schweikert (R-CD1) is reportedly “considering” entering the contest - joining President Trump-endorsed contenders Karrin Taylor Robson and Congressman Andy Biggs (R-CD5). Rep. Schweikert’s campaign team previously said he would make a decision by the end of August, which means an announcement could come as early as next week.

A gubernatorial bid by Rep. Schweikert, in his 8th term, would not only shake up the gubernatorial race, it would also create an open seat in one of the nation’s most competitive and expensive congressional districts. With GOP control of the House hanging by a thread, no wonder everyone from national political groups to would-be candidates on both sides of the aisle is scrambling.

Conventional wisdom suggests there is no viable lane for a non-Trump-endorsed candidate in the GOP primary. Rep. Schweikert has beaten long odds before, however. During each of the past three cycles, he was targeted for upset and faced tough challenges from well-funded Democrats. Going into the 2024 cycle, Rep. Schweikert was dubbed one of the most vulnerable House members by the DCCC. He won by nearly 4 points.

Whichever candidate emerges with the GOP nomination for Governor will face Governor Hobbs, who will be well-funded and has signaled her intent to run a centrist campaign. The headline of a press release issued by her office last week: “Republicans Praise Governor Katie Hobbs' “Fiscal Conservatism.”