SerpApi.Org
July 22 (UPI) -- Rep. Andy Biggs, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump who supported efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, claimed victory Tuesday night in the Republican nomination race for Arizona governor, setting up a fierce battle in November against the Democratic incumbent, Katie Hobbs.
The Biggs-Hobbs contest will be closely watched in the midterms, not only because Arizona will serve as a litmus test at the halfway mark of Trump's second presidency, but also because it is expected to remain a key battleground state in the next presidential election.
Biggs, who was backed by Trump in Tuesday's Republican primary race against Rep. David Schweikert, was the heavy favorite in the primary, and was poised to win by a landslide. According to preliminary results from the Arizona Secretary of State's Office, Biggs had secured 71.8% of the vote to Schweikert's 15.5%.
"Tonight's results show that Arizonans overwhelmingly believe in our vision and I'm grateful to have earned their support," Biggs said in a statement claiming victory in the Republican nomination race.
"As we advance to the General Election, I want to make sure every Arizonan knows this: no matter what your political party is or your background, you deserve a better leader than Katie Hobbs."
Though a seasoned politician, Biggs has long been considered a member of the Republican Party's far right and previously led the Freedom Caucus. He campaigned on GOP staples, including border issues and lowering taxes, while promoting his close ties with Trump.
Hobbs has campaigned on lowering prices and expanding affordable housing, while presenting herself as a pragmatic answer in a divided state.
Before volunteers Tuesday, Hobbs criticized Biggs over his history of election denial, calling him out for not accepting that Trump lost to President Joe Biden in 2020 and that Republican Kari Lake lost the Arizona gubernatorial election to her in 2022.
"Andy Biggs has spent years undermining confidence. He still denies the outcome of the 2020 election and refused to certify Arizona's electors, and he still won't admit who won the 2022 governor's race," she said.
"I'll save him the trouble: I did."
