President Donald Trump has announced support for two candidates in Arizona’s upcoming Republican gubernatorial primary, endorsing both U.S. Representative Andy Biggs and housing developer Karrin Taylor Robson.
Trump initially endorsed Robson last year, a move that drew criticism from some of his core supporters in Arizona who questioned her connections to the state’s traditional Republican establishment. Many in the party’s grassroots had hoped for a candidate more closely aligned with the former president’s populist platform.
Biggs, a former state Senate leader and previous chair of the House Freedom Caucus, has consistently aligned himself with Trump’s policies and was a vocal supporter of efforts to challenge the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. He currently represents a strongly conservative district that includes communities such as Gilbert and Queen Creek.
Known for his willingness to break with GOP leadership, Biggs was among the small group of Republicans who helped remove Kevin McCarthy from the House Speaker role in 2023.
Explaining his decision to back both candidates, Trump said, “When Andy Biggs unexpectedly entered the race, I found myself with a dilemma — two great people, two strong candidates, and two champions. Therefore, I’m giving my full endorsement to both.”
Robson, who previously ran for governor in 2022, was then considered part of the establishment wing of the party and campaigned alongside figures who had distanced themselves from Trump. She ultimately lost that primary to Kari Lake, who went on to lose in the general election.
In her current campaign, Robson has emphasized her alignment with Trump’s agenda and expressed appreciation for his continued backing. “I look forward to being a strong partner in advancing the America First agenda from the Governor’s Office,” she said.
Biggs’ campaign also welcomed the support, with a senior adviser suggesting that Trump’s decision might challenge Robson’s rationale for staying in the race. “Since her campaign has been heavily based on the Trump endorsement, the shared backing could change the dynamic,” he said.
This is not the first time Trump has endorsed multiple candidates in a single race. Since leaving office, he has issued dual or even triple endorsements in several contests across the country, including high-profile Senate and gubernatorial races.
The Republican nominee will likely face the current Democratic governor in the general election, as she is expected to secure her party’s nomination with little opposition.
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