Mesa: Hobbs and Biggs Trade Attacks as Arizona Governor Race Heats Up Weeks Before Primary

The Governor's Race Goes General Before the Primary Ends

Gov. Katie Hobbs and Republican frontrunner Rep. Andy Biggs are fighting a general election campaign while the GOP primary is still seven weeks away.

The early clash signals how consequential Arizona voters consider this race. It also raises stakes for Mesa residents, who will pick their preferred candidate in the July primary.

"This is a sham attempt by Andy Biggs to cover up his long record of corrupt Washington swamp politics that's ripping off Arizonans," a spokesman for the governor's campaign said, according to AZFamily.

Biggs Targets Hobbs Ethics Investigation

Biggs unveiled an ethics platform this week that would limit contributions governors may accept after taking office. The proposal was widely viewed as a direct shot at Hobbs.

Hobbs is currently under criminal investigation by the state attorney general's office. The probe involves an alleged pay-to-play scheme between the governor and one of her political donors.

A spokesman for the attorney general said the office is working with the governor's office to schedule a time for her questioning.

Biggs has emerged as the clear GOP frontrunner. He leads in all publicly available polling and far outpaces his congressional colleague Rep. David Schweikert in campaign fundraising, according to USA Today.

President Donald Trump has endorsed Biggs for governor.

Democrats Fight Back With New Attack Group

The Copper State Victory Fund, a group organized to elect Democratic candidates, launched a new website called "Meet Basement Biggs" this week.

The site accuses Biggs of ethical problems of his own and claims he has dodged questions about his record.

Biggs previously served as Senate president of the Arizona Legislature from 2012 to 2016. He has a long record of conservative votes opposing tax increases and supporting measures like Senate Bill 1070.

Why Mesa Voters Should Pay Attention

Mesa is home to one of the candidates in the crowded GOP field. Scott Neely, who runs a concrete supply business on Southern Avenue in Mesa, is running for governor as a Republican. Neely previously ran for governor in 2022 and for mayor of Mesa two years later.

Neely's campaign headquarters is located at his brick-and-mortar shop, Action Concrete Pumping Supply, which employs 17 people.

The broader primary race features two lesser-known Republicans alongside Biggs and Schweikert. Neely and Ken Miceli have struggled to gain traction against the two congressmen, according to USA Today.

The Timeline Ahead

Early voting begins on June 24, about three weeks from now.

The Republican primary will determine who faces Hobbs in the November general election. Other parties, including the Green Party and No Labels Party, are also holding primaries this summer.

"It is a little early but clearly this shows the importance of this race," Republican consultant Wes Gullet told AZFamily.

Gullet suggested two possible explanations for the early attacks. Hobbs may believe Biggs will likely be her opponent in November. Alternatively, she may be trying to create trouble for Biggs in his primary against Schweikert.

The Biggs campaign accused Hobbs of refusing to commit to a debate and to defend her record.

What We Know About the Candidates

• Andy Biggs (R-Gilbert): Represents Arizona's 5th Congressional District since 2016. Former House Freedom Caucus leader. Former Arizona Senate president.
• David Schweikert (R-Scottsdale): Represents Arizona's 1st Congressional District for 16 years. Admitted to 11 ethical violations in Congress and agreed to a $50,000 fine.
• Katie Hobbs (D): Incumbent governor. Under criminal investigation by the attorney general.
• Scott Neely (R-Mesa): Concrete supply business owner. Ran for governor in 2022 and for Mesa mayor in 2024.

The Stakes

This race will decide who controls the Arizona governor's mansion starting in January 2027. The winner will shape state policy on issues ranging from budget priorities to immigration enforcement to education funding.

For Mesa voters, the primary is the first chance to weigh in. The general election in November will determine the final outcome.