Trump Endorses Andy Biggs for Arizona Governor at Phoenix Rally

Biggs, a longtime GOP congressman, aims to defeat Democratic incumbent Katie Hobbs

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:34am

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A cinematic painting of a solitary politician standing at a podium on a dimly lit stage, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the high-stakes political contest for Arizona's governorship.In a rally aimed at energizing the Republican base, a lone politician stands resolute on a dimly lit stage, a metaphor for the high-stakes battle for Arizona's governorship.Phoenix Today

At a rally in Phoenix hosted by conservative groups, President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for Republican Congressman Andy Biggs, who is running for Arizona governor. Biggs spoke to the crowd, highlighting his conservative record in Congress and contrasting it with the leadership of Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. The event featured several other Republican candidates for state and federal offices, as they sought to energize the GOP base ahead of the November elections.

Why it matters

The Arizona governor's race is expected to be one of the most competitive in the nation, with Biggs and Hobbs offering starkly different visions for the state. Trump's endorsement of Biggs underscores the former president's continued influence within the Republican Party, and the event provided a platform for GOP candidates to rally their supporters ahead of the crucial midterm elections.

The details

Biggs, wearing an American flag tie, spoke for about 20 minutes, reminding the crowd of Trump's endorsement and recounting when the former president called him last year to deliver the news. Biggs offered a largely positive vision for Arizona's future, touting the GOP's accomplishments in Congress under Trump and contrasting them with Hobbs' leadership. He pledged to bring back the state's border strike force, cut taxes, and reform the state's cleaner burning fuel standards, among other policy proposals.

  • The rally took place on April 17, 2026.
  • The Arizona governor's election is expected to be one of the most competitive in the nation in November 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who spoke at the rally and endorsed Andy Biggs for Arizona governor.

Andy Biggs

A longtime Republican Congressman from Arizona who is running for governor, with Trump's endorsement.

Katie Hobbs

The Democratic incumbent governor of Arizona, who Biggs is challenging in the 2026 election.

Turning Point Action

A conservative group that hosted the rally in Phoenix.

Turning Point USA

A conservative group that co-hosted the rally in Phoenix.

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What they’re saying

“We need to think big, we need to think big things, dream big dreams, and restore Arizona to its unlimited potential.”

— Andy Biggs, Republican Congressman

“Arizona can't trust Katie Hobbs, you cannot afford Katie Hobbs, and we cannot, and must not reelect Katie Hobbs.”

— Andy Biggs, Republican Congressman

“No other country in the world would have given me that opportunity. I am a proud and grateful adopted son into this amazing nation, my amazing nation.”

— Juan Ciscomani, Republican Congressman

What’s next

The Arizona Republican primary for governor is expected to be hotly contested, with Biggs facing off against other GOP candidates. The winner will then challenge incumbent Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs in the general election in November 2026.

The takeaway

Trump's continued influence within the Republican Party was on full display at this rally, as he endorsed Biggs and other GOP candidates. The Arizona governor's race will be a key battleground in the 2026 midterm elections, with the candidates offering starkly different visions for the state's future.