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By Peter Aitken and Gabe Whisnant
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Karrin Taylor Robson has suspended her campaign for Arizona governor, reshaping the Republican primary just months before the July election.
Newsweek reached out to the White House by email on Thursday for comment outside of normal business hours.
Why It Matters
Robson, a businesswoman and real estate developer, previously ran for Arizona governor in 2022. She competed in the Republican primary but lost to Kari Lake, who went on to lose the general election to Democrat Katie Hobbs.
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President Donald Trump had endorsed her in 2024, but then later extended his endorsement to Representative Andy Biggs after he entered the race, a move that complicated Robson's path to the nomination.
Robson’s exit narrows the GOP field and reorients a marquee 2026 battleground race in a state that has seen competitive statewide contests in recent cycles, elevating Biggs and Representative David Schweikert as the leading Republican contenders to challenge Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in the fall.
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What To Know
Robson, the first GOP candidate to enter the 2026 contest and on the back of Trump's endorsement, said Thursday she was bowing out to avoid a divisive and resource-draining primary, citing party unity as paramount.
In a statement posted to her social media, Robson stressed that the decision was "not an easy one," but that "we cannot afford a divisive Republican primary that drains resources and turns into months of intraparty attacks.
"It only weakens our conservative cause and gives the left exactly what they want: a fractured Republican party heading into November. With so much on the line in 2026 I am not willing to contribute to that outcome,” she wrote.
Robson encouraged her supporters to "stay engaged, stay involved, and stay focused" on the coming election to help secure a Republican victory, as she "remains committed to helping Republicans win in 2026 and to ensuring Arizona remains strong, safe, and free for generations to come."
With Robson’s exit, Biggs and Representative David Schweikert now stand as the leading contenders for the Republican nomination to challenge Hobbs in the fall, but Robson did not make an endorsement in her announcement.
What People Are Saying
Biggs, on X: "I want to thank Karrin Taylor Robson for a well-run campaign and for her many contributions to keeping our state red. Her experience as a businesswoman brought a valuable perspective to the race and her deep love for Arizona and its future has always been evident.
"Cindy and I send our best wishes to Karrin and her family in their next chapter. This is a critical time for our party to unite and avoid a costly, divisive primary as the weak and ineffective Katie Hobbs continues to hurt Arizonans. Our campaign is now the only campaign endorsed by President Trump and Charlie Kirk, as well as dozens of state legislators and leaders across Arizona. We intend to win and defeat Katie Hobbs in November, but the time for Republicans to unite behind our campaign is now."
Trump, in 2025 after Biggs entered the race: "I like Karrin Taylor Robson of Arizona a lot, and when she asked me to Endorse her, with nobody else running, I Endorsed her, and was happy to do so. When Andy Biggs decided to run for Governor, quite unexpectedly, I had a problem — Two fantastic candidates, two terrific people, two wonderful champions, and it is therefore my Great Honor TO GIVE MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT TO BOTH. Either one will never let you down. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
What Happens Next
The GOP primary is set for July, and the winner is expected to face Hobbs in November.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Update 2/12/26, 7:45 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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