Key Arizona Primaries to Watch Today

Arizona has long been a bellwether state, its politics reflecting the increasingly polarized landscape of American politics. The upcoming primaries are shaping up to be a critical test of the state’s shifting loyalties, with several key races that will determine not just the next governor but also control of the House.

The Republican primary for governor is one of the most closely watched contests, pitting Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert against each other in a bid to take on incumbent Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. Biggs has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, but his involvement in the January 6 insurrection and allegations of election fraud have raised questions about his fitness for office.

The 2020 election marked a turning point in Arizona politics, with the state flipping from red to blue in presidential elections. However, Trump’s continued claims of voter fraud – and the support of some Arizona Republicans for these unfounded assertions – has tainted the electoral process in the eyes of many voters. According to research by the Center for Latina/os and American Politics Research at Arizona State University, nearly one-third of Arizona voters lack confidence in the fairness of absentee or mail-in ballots.

This skepticism is not limited to Democratic-leaning voters; even some Republicans are beginning to question the validity of these claims. Schweikert’s decision to run for governor, citing his frustration with congressional gridlock, suggests that there may be more divisions within the Republican Party than previously thought.

In the Arizona 1st Congressional District, Schweikert is facing a tough challenge from several Republicans vying for the nomination, including former state Rep. Joseph Chaplik and businessman John Trobough. On the Democratic side, former state legislator Amish Shah and Marlene Galán-Woods are competing for their party’s nomination.

The Fallout from Trump’s Endorsements

One of the most striking aspects of these primaries is the influence of Donald Trump’s endorsements. Biggs’ support from the former president has propelled him to the front of the pack in the governor’s primary, but it also raises questions about his ability to distance himself from Trump’s divisive legacy.

Trump’s continued backing of candidates who have supported or enabled his election fraud claims sends a troubling signal that some Republicans are more interested in winning at all costs than in upholding democratic norms. This is particularly concerning given the potential consequences for Arizona voters, many of whom remain wary of mail-in ballots and absentee voting.

The Impact on National Politics

The outcome of these primaries will have significant implications not just for Arizona but also for national politics. If Biggs wins the nomination, it would be a major blow to Hobbs’ chances in November, potentially setting the stage for a contentious gubernatorial election. More broadly, these contests highlight the deepening divisions within both parties, as well as the ongoing struggle to reconcile electoral politics with the increasingly polarized media landscape.

As Arizona voters head to the polls today, they will be making decisions that not only shape their state’s future but also send a signal about the direction of American democracy. The results of these primaries will tell us more about the resilience of democratic institutions in Arizona – and across the country – than anything else.