(The Center Square) – A political action committee launched this week to back Karrin Taylor Robson in the 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary in hopes of defeating incumbent Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.
The Republican who sought the nomination in 2022 has yet to announce a campaign.
The “Build A Better Arizona PAC” is led by former Arizona Senate President Karen Finn and former Republican Party Chairman Robert Graham.
“We have made amazing strides in taking back Arizona in 2024 and we can continue our progress in 2026 by replacing Governor Hobbs,” Graham said in a news release, according to the Washington Post. “If Karrin Taylor Robson decides to run I know she will be the strongest candidate to reform Arizona and help President Donald Trump enact his policies that will help so many families and businesses in our state.”
Trump said he would support Robson if she chooses to enter the race.
“Are you running for governor? I think so Karrin, because if you do you’re gonna have my support, OK?” the president said in December at a Turning Point USA conference in Phoenix.
In 2022, the president endorsed Kari Lake for the job now held by Democrat Hobbs instead. Lake is now his pick to run Voice of America, and he also backed her in the 2024 United States Senate race.
The development comes as Rep. Andy Biggs filed a statement of interest to run in the primary.
“Arizona has a bright future but will need strong leadership to reach its full potential,” Biggs said in a statement on X earlier this week.
“I have been honored to serve Arizona at the state and federal levels and will bring my experience home to my native state to help it fulfill its tremendous capacity. I have a firm understanding of what the state needs to thrive. I look forward to conversing with my fellow Arizonans as I consider this weighty decision,” the East Valley congressman continued.
Rep. Eli Crane announced his support for the congressman’s potential candidacy.
“He’s definitely the most qualified guy to do it,” Crane said of Biggs on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” program.
Besides Biggs, other Republicans who have filed statements of interest for the August 2026 primary include Christopher Ames, Scott Neely, George Nicholson, and Christian “Maverick” Grey, according to the Secretary of State website. No Democrat has filed to challenge Hobbs as of now.