IN FOCUS - June 19, 2026

Viewers who tuned-in to this week’s GOP gubernatorial debate expecting a repeat of the 2022 food fight were likely disappointed. This was an orderly affair, with front-runner Andy Biggs and main challenger David Schweikert largely training their attacks on Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs instead of each other.

The Trump-endorsed Biggs has been the wire-to-wire leader for the GOP nomination, and it was clear the MAGA fave is already pivoting toward the center in preparation for the General Election. That’s what a 30-point lead will do for a candidate.

Trying to appeal to moderate and unaffiliated voters, Congressman Biggs touted his work with Democrats like Rep. Greg Stanton and Independent former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. Arizona Republicans have a 300,000-registered-voter edge in Arizona, but there are nearly as many unaffiliated voters (1.5 million). The candidate who wins those swing voters is likely to be the victor in November.

That was a feat the AZGOP’s last gubernatorial nominee - Kari Lake - failed to accomplish in 2022. While Governor Katie Hobbs was narrowly elected and has been considered vulnerable, she enters the closing stretch of this campaign in a strong position: an incumbent, ahead in the polls and with a significant financial advantage over each of the potential Republican challengers.

Early voting for the Primary begins Wednesday.