Arizona Congressman David Schweikert Enters Race for Governor
PHOENIX – U.S. Rep. David Schweikert announced Monday he will run for Arizona governor in 2026, setting the stage for a competitive Republican primary. The move immediately reshapes the gubernatorial landscape and opens up his Congressional seat, considered a key battleground for control of the U.S. House.
Schweikert, who represents Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, framed his decision as a chance to focus on impactful conservative policies and spend more time with his family. He acknowledged the White House had expressed a preference for him to remain in Congress, but said thay understood his reasoning. “There’s no question they would have preferred me staying and running for the House, but they also understand why I’m doing this,” he said. He pledged to support a strong Republican nominee to succeed him in Washington, D.C.
The field for the Republican nomination is already taking shape.Karrin Taylor Robson has signaled her willingness to self-fund, as she did in a previous gubernatorial bid. She,along with Andy Biggs,have both received endorsements from former President Donald trump – a dual endorsement Schweikert said he respected. However, he intends to emphasize his own conservative record. ”I would make sure to ‘tell the story of being an actual conservative,'” he stated, adding that his “conservative credentials ‘are as solid as anyone you will find, and focusing on the things that actually make a difference, I believe that works.'”
Schweikert’s departure from the House race creates an open seat in a district considered crucial for maintaining Republican control of the House. Democrats are hoping to capitalize on the possibility during the midterm elections, when the party out of the white house typically gains ground.
beyond the political calculations, Schweikert cited personal reasons for his decision. He and his wife adopted two children, ages 3 and 9, and a gubernatorial role would allow him to avoid frequent trips to Washington, D.C. for votes. “My nine-year-old is just giddy that when daddy flies back from D.C., we’ll be getting in the truck and going and doing road trips,” he said.