Taylor Robson drops out of Arizona governor's race

Departure leaves three GOP candidates remaining ahead of primary

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Karrin Taylor Robson announced on Thursday that she is ending her campaign for Arizona governor, citing concerns that a divisive Republican primary would weaken the party heading into the general election.

Why it matters

Robson's withdrawal leaves three Republican candidates still vying for the party's nomination in the race to succeed term-limited Governor Doug Ducey. The primary election is seen as a key battleground that could shape the political landscape in Arizona for years to come.

The details

In a social media post, Taylor Robson said conservatives couldn't "afford a divisive Republican primary" that would drain resources and bring intraparty attacks, which she believes would ultimately benefit Democrats by creating a "fractured Republican Party heading into November."

  • Robson announced her withdrawal on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Karrin Taylor Robson

A former Republican candidate for Arizona governor who has now dropped out of the race.

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The takeaway

Robson's exit from the Arizona governor's race leaves the Republican primary field more open, but also raises questions about the party's ability to present a united front heading into the general election against the Democratic nominee.