Trump-Backed Extremists Win Arizona GOP Nominations for Governor and Key House Seats
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Arizona's Republican primary voters have once again chosen candidates loyal to Donald Trump for governor, secretary of state, and two pivotal congressional districts, raising alarms about the continued influence of election denialism and far-right politics ahead of the general election.
In a troubling sign for democracy, Arizona voters in the Republican primary have selected nominees for governor, secretary of state, and two congressional districts who are closely aligned with President Donald Trump and his anti-democratic agenda.
U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, notorious for his unwavering support of Trump and his leadership in the extremist House Freedom Caucus, secured the GOP nomination for governor. Biggs defeated three rivals, including Rep. David Schweikert, who represented a more moderate alternative. Biggs is infamous for refusing to certify the 2020 election results, clinging to baseless conspiracy theories about widespread voter fraud—claims that have been thoroughly debunked.
For secretary of state, Republicans nominated attorney Alexander Kolodin, who actively participated in frivolous lawsuits seeking to overturn the 2020 election. This position is critical, as it oversees election administration in a battleground state where voting rights are already under threat.
In the 1st Congressional District, former NFL kicker Jay Feely won the Republican nomination over Joseph Chaplik, another Trump-backed Freedom Caucus member, illustrating the party’s ongoing descent into far-right politics. Meanwhile, the Democratic field remains open, with Marlene Galan-Woods and others competing for the nomination.
The 6th District saw Rep. Juan Ciscomani run unopposed for the GOP, while Democrat JoAnna Mendoza, a veteran and advocate for working families, secured her party’s nomination. Both districts are considered toss-ups, but Trump’s narrow wins in recent elections highlight the stakes for democracy.
Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, who narrowly defeated election denier Kari Lake in 2022, now faces Biggs in November. Observers warn that while Trump’s endorsement propelled these candidates through the primaries, their extremism may alienate independent and swing voters in the general election.