Schweikert close to decision on governor's race, says it's not personal to other candidates

Arizona Republican Congressman David Schweikert indicated he’s close to making a decision on whether he’ll run for governor in 2026.

In an interview last month, Schweikert said he’s been approached by multiple Republicans who are concerned that GOP candidates already in the gubernatorial race — Congressman Andy Biggs and lobbyist Karrin Taylor Robson — would lose to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, and think Schweikert would have more success.

Schweikert said if he does decide to run, it isn’t anything personal against Biggs or Robson.

“People sometimes emotionalize it but it is the business we’ve chosen. Now, it is a business where the policy that comes later is crucial to our lives, but you treat everyone with respect,” Schweikert said.

He added that he’s considering his chances of winning the gubernatorial race in a deeply divided state, where he considers himself a conservative Republican.

“The reality of it is, politics is math. It’s, how do you get to that 50% plus one? What are folks actually interested in, actually motivated by?” he said.

Schweikert has been in Congress since 2010. He currently represents one of Arizona’s most competitive congressional districts, which includes Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Cave Creek.

If he doesn’t seek reelection, it could put GOP control of the district into greater uncertainty.