IN FOCUS - Feb. 14, 2025

Ready or not, the 2026 campaign has begun.

This week, businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson announced her candidacy for Arizona Governor, joining a GOP field that already includes Congressman Andy Biggs and Scott Neely.

Taylor Robson (and Neely) also ran in 2022, of course. But, unlike then, President Trump has indicated he will support Taylor Robson this time around. The importance of that endorsement cannot be overstated in a GOP Primary, and could prove decisive given Taylor Robson’s expected financial advantage.

The Trump endorsement hasn’t stopped Rep. Biggs from landing support from the Legislature’s Freedom Caucus, as well as Republican Reps. Eli Crane and Paul Gosar.  

The field of candidates may grow larger. State Treasurer Kimberly Yee is reportedly considering a bid, and there are whispers of other possible challengers from the worlds of politics and business. 

One thing that appears less and less likely, following a wave of speculation in late 2024, is a meaningful Democratic challenge to Governor Katie Hobbs. The financial and political hurdles for any Democrats seeking to unseat Governor Hobbs would be extraordinarily steep.

Only 536 days until the 2026 Primary.