Arizona GOP candidate drops out of primary, narrowing field to two

Karrin Taylor Robson suspends her campaign, leaving Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert as the remaining Republican candidates.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Housing developer Karrin Taylor Robson has suspended her campaign for Arizona governor, saying she doesn't want a divisive GOP primary that weakens conservative causes. This narrows the Republican field to two candidates: U.S. Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert.

Why it matters

The Arizona governor's race is a key battleground for the 2026 midterm elections, and Robson's exit leaves the Republican field with two very different candidates vying for the nomination.

The details

Robson, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, said a divisive primary 'drains resources and turns into months of intraparty attacks.' She said she is willing to help Republicans win in 2026. Biggs and Schweikert both praised Robson's campaign and perspective.

  • Robson suspended her campaign on February 12, 2026.

The players

Karrin Taylor Robson

A housing developer who suspended her campaign for Arizona governor, citing a desire to avoid a divisive Republican primary.

Andy Biggs

A U.S. Representative who is now one of the two remaining Republican candidates for Arizona governor, endorsed by former President Donald Trump and the conservative youth group Turning Point USA.

David Schweikert

A U.S. Representative who is now one of the two remaining Republican candidates for Arizona governor.

Katie Hobbs

The current Democratic governor of Arizona, who defeated Robson in the 2022 election.

Doug Ducey

The former Republican governor of Arizona who had backed Robson's 2022 campaign.

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What they’re saying

“While I am stepping back from this race, I am not stepping back from the fight for Arizona's future.”

— Karrin Taylor Robson (ksgf.com)

“She has been a model citizen and I'm certain she can utilize her gifts to continue to benefit the state into the future in many ways.”

— Doug Ducey, Former Governor of Arizona (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The remaining Republican candidates, Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert, will continue to campaign for the party's nomination ahead of the 2026 Arizona gubernatorial election.

The takeaway

Robson's exit from the race narrows the Republican field and signals a potential shift in the party's dynamics in Arizona, with the remaining candidates representing different factions within the GOP.