Trump-backed firebrand wins Arizona GOP governor primary, setting up high-stakes showdown

President Donald Trump’s kingmaker status in Republican primaries was on the line Tuesday in Arizona’s GOP gubernatorial nomination showdown – and the president easily passed the test.

Rep. Andy Biggs, a former House Freedom Caucus chair who landed the president’s endorsement, captured the GOP nomination for Arizona governor with more than 70% of the vote, the Associated Press announced Tuesday night with just under 50% of the votes counted. Biggs was beating his nearest competitor by more than 50% at that point. 

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Biggs’ nearest competitor was Republican Rep. David Schweikert, who had 17% of the vote when AP called the race with just under 50% of the total counted.

Contractor Scott Neely, who was making his second straight run for governor, had just 7% when the race was called, while business owner Ken Miceli had only 5.4%.

Biggs will now face off in the general election with Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, a former Arizona Secretary of State who narrowly defeated then-GOP nominee Kari Lake four years ago. Hobbs was unopposed as she ran for re-nomination in the southwestern battleground.

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The Republican primary turned combative and expensive.

Schweikert earlier this year went up with campaign mailers accusing Biggs of associating with white supremacist and antisemitic groups. Responding, the Biggs campaign labeled the move as “a desperate tactic by our opponent.”

Biggs, who was also backed by the political wing of the conservative powerhouse Turning Point USA, mostly ignored his rivals and only joined them on the stage at one of the multiple debates.

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Trump’s endorsements in a handful of key races, including in a top swing congressional district, could impact the midterm battles for the House majority and control of governors’ offices.