Republican gubernatorial hopeful Karrin Taylor Robson is making comments that appear to disavow her previously expressed support for allowing “Dreamers” in Arizona to pay in-state tuition.
Answering questions last week at a meeting of Republicans in a legislative district in Maricopa County, Robson said she has “never supported free tuition for illegal aliens.”
That, by itself, may not directly contradict statements she made in 2022 in support of Proposition 308. That measure, which was approved by a margin of 51.2% to 48.8%, allows anyone who has graduated from an Arizona high school to get in-state tuition — not free tuition — at state colleges and universities regardless of immigration status.
But that was not the end of her answer.
“I support President Trump's executive order,” she added, referring to the one issued in April that directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to sue states that offer lower tuition to residents without legal status than students from other states.
It isn't just that Robson supported Proposition 308. She actually appeared in a commercial urging voter support.
“As a business leader and Republican, I will be voting yes on Prop. 308,” she said.
“It will improve Arizona's economy by keeping skilled workers here in Arizona, kids we've already invested in for years, with zero tax increase,” Robson continued.
Jeff Glassburner, the candidate's press aide, said she has been clear.
“Karrin stands with President Trump and his Department of Education and opposes free tuition,” he said.
And what of her support of the executive order? Glassburner refused to respond.
Robson has been seeking to modify her image since she lost the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2022.
At that time, she had sought to put some distance between her and Trump, who was arguing that he was cheated out of his 2020 reelection bid. Robson even told an interviewer that the former president was a “drag” on the Republican Party.
Robson lost that 2022 primary to pro-Trumper Kari Lake.
This time around, Robson sought and received the endorsement of the since-reelected president.
Whether that will help, however, remains unclear, as Trump has also endorsed Congressman Andy Biggs, who wants to be the GOP nominee to take on incumbent Gov. Katie Hobbs.