Republican Karrin Taylor Robson Launches Ambitious Bid for Governor

The field for the 2026 gubernatorial race in Arizona has expanded, with two prominent Republican figures officially declaring their candidacies against Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs.

On February 12, Karrin Taylor Robson, a Republican and founder of Arizona Strategies, announced her campaign. Her focus on conservative policies is central to her platform. However, she emphasized her endorsement by former President Donald Trump as a pivotal element of her candidacy, mentioning him a total of 12 times in her statement.

Robson’s endorsement comes at a time when fellow Republican Congressman Andy Biggs has also declared his candidacy. Biggs, a former state Senate president, has consistently supported Trump’s agenda throughout his political career.

Although Robson aims to leverage her connection to Trump, Biggs’s strong track record cannot be ignored. He has never lost an election, while Robson’s political experience includes a significant defeat in the 2022 gubernatorial primary, where she lost to Kari Lake, who had Trump’s endorsement.

In her announcement, Robson expressed gratitude for Trump’s support, stating, “I look forward to working with him to secure our border and make Arizona safe again.” She also highlighted her fundraising efforts for Trump’s previous campaigns as evidence of her loyalty.

In a related development, Biggs recently demonstrated his allegiance to Trump during a visit to greet individuals pardoned by Trump after the January 6 Capitol riot, showcasing his dedication to the former president’s causes.

Another potential candidate for the race is State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, who indicated that she has received widespread encouragement to run for governor. Yee, who previously considered a gubernatorial bid in 2022, opted instead to seek another term as treasurer.

Yee asserts her viability as a candidate based on her electoral performance, claiming to have received 102,244 more votes in her recent reelection than Hobbs garnered in her gubernatorial campaign. Additionally, she noted a significant lead over Democrat Mark Kelly in the U.S. Senate race, demonstrating her potential appeal among voters.

As the race heats up, Arizona’s political landscape is witnessing a shift. Robson, Biggs, and Yee each bring distinct strengths and challenges, as they prepare to take on Governor Hobbs in what promises to be a competitive election cycle.