{"id":2569473,"date":"2026-02-12T18:42:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T23:42:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/trump-backed-karrin-taylor-robson-exits-arizona-governor-race\/"},"modified":"2026-02-12T18:43:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T23:43:43","slug":"trump-backed-karrin-taylor-robson-exits-arizona-governor-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/trump-backed-karrin-taylor-robson-exits-arizona-governor-race\/","title":{"rendered":"Trump-backed Karrin Taylor Robson exits Arizona governor race"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">16<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Ftrump-backed-karrin-taylor-robson-exits-arizona-governor-race%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2569473&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Trump-backed candidate Karrin Taylor Robson dropped out of the Arizona governor\u2019s race, leaving Rep. Andy Biggs as the only <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/most-americans-think-another-trump-presidential-run-would-be-bad-for-the-country-poll-shows\/\" title=\"Most Americans Think Another ... Presidential Run Would Be Bad For The Country, Poll Shows\">trump-endorsed candidate<\/a> in the GOP primary. previously,Trump had endorsed both Robson and Biggs for the 2026 race,and the field expanded to three in November 2025 when David Schweikert joined; Robson is stepping back to avoid a divisive primary,and she did not endorse another candidate. Biggs has the backing of Turning Point USA, and the primary is set for july 21 with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/impossible-gop-picked-up-seats-in-house-picked-up-state-legislatures-picked-up-governorship-held-the-senate-but-sniffy-joe-won-not-a-chance\/\" title=\"IMPOSSIBLE: GOP Picked Up Seats in House, Picked Up State Legislatures, Picked Up Governorship, Held the Senate -- But Sniffy Joe Won?... NOT A CHANCE\">general election<\/a> on November 3.<\/p>\n<p>Emerson College polling from late 2025 showed Biggs leading Robson by about 33 points in the primary (roughly 50% for Biggs, 17% for Robson, 8% for Schweikert, with 25% undecided), suggesting Robson\u2019s supporters might swing to Biggs.In <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >hypothetical 2026 general-election matchups<\/a>, Hobbs (D) led all three GOP contenders: Hobbs over Biggs 44% to 43%, over Robson 43% to 42%, and over Schweikert 44% to 39%. The Cook Political Report also rates the general election as a toss-up. Arizona\u2019s GOP primary is on July 21, 2026, with the general election on November 3, 2026.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Trump-backed candidate exits Arizona governor race, setting up battle between two GOP reps<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2503618\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\">Trump<\/a>-backed Republican <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/3317917\/trump-backed-karrin-taylor-robson-launches-arizona-gubernatorial-bid\/\">Karrin Taylor Robson<\/a> dropped her bid for <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/arizona\/\">Arizona<\/a> governor Thursday, setting up Rep. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/andy-biggs\/\">Andy Biggs<\/a> (R-AZ) as the only Trump-endorsed candidate in the now two-person GOP primary.<\/p>\n<p>Trump made the rare decision in April 2025 to back <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3387030\/trump-endorse-two-candidates-arizona-governor-race-biggs-taylor-robson\/\">both Robson and Biggs<\/a> in the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/2026-election\/\">2026 Arizona gubernatorial race<\/a>. The GOP primary to choose who takes on Gov. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/katie-hobbs\/\">Katie Hobbs<\/a> (D-AZ) in the general election grew to three candidates in November 2025, when Rep. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3830137\/david-schweikert-enters-arizona-governors-race-swing-house-seat\/\">David Schweikert<\/a> (R-AZ) hopped into the race. Robson said she&rsquo;s bowing out to avoid a divisive primary.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/4455727\/no-republicans-appear-ballot-2026-new-mexico-senate-election\/\">No Republicans to appear on ballot in 2026 New Mexico Senate election<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/4455055\/texas-senate-primary-cornyn-ken-paxton-gop-fears\/\">GOP leaders want Trump to endorse Cornyn in Texas Senate primary amid fears of costly fight<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/4455007\/house-passes-voter-id-bill-one-democrat-supporting\/\">House passes voter ID bill with only one Democrat supporting GOP measure<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>&ldquo;We cannot afford a divisive Republican primary that drains resources and turns into months of intraparty attacks,&rdquo; Robson said in a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/KTaylorRobson\/status\/2022060693500178492?s=20\">statement<\/a>. &ldquo;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.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The latest Emerson College <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/emersoncollegepolling.com\/arizona-2026-governor\/\">poll<\/a> had Biggs leading Robson by 33 percentage points in the primary challenge, estimating Biggs at 50%, Robson at 17%, and Schweikert trailing at 8%, with 25% of voters still undecided. As the two Trump-backed candidates, many of Robson&rsquo;s voters are likely to swing toward Biggs. <\/p>\n<p>Biggs also boasts the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3887297\/kirk-endorsed-biggs-trails-hobbs-one-point-another-test-tpusa-influence\/\">endorsement<\/a> of <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/turning-point-usa\/\">Turning Point USA<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Robson, a former Board of Regents member, did not endorse another candidate in her immediate statement. Robson ran in the 2022 GOP primary, losing to <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/kari-lake\/\">Kari Lake<\/a> by about 4.9 percentage points.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;While I am stepping back from this race, I am not stepping back from the fight for Arizona&rsquo;s future,&rdquo; Robson said. &ldquo;I encourage my supporters to stay engaged, stay involved, and stay focused on the mission ahead. Arizona is worth fighting for, and this election will determine the direction of our state for years to come.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Hobbs bested Lake in the 2022 general election by under 1 percentage point, inching out with 50.3% of the vote compared to Lake&rsquo;s 49.6%.<\/p>\n<p>The <em>Cook Political Report <\/em>sees the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/harris-joked-to-friends-that-she-may-run-for-california-governor-if-white-house-is-lost-report\/\" title=\"Harris jokes about running for California governor if White House bid fails: report\">2026 gubernatorial election<\/a> as a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cookpolitical.com\/governor\/race\/479456\">toss-up<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3887297\/kirk-endorsed-biggs-trails-hobbs-one-point-another-test-tpusa-influence\/\">KIRK-ENDORSED BIGGS TRAILS HOBBS BY ONE POINT, AS ANOTHER TEST OF TPUSA&rsquo;S INFLUENCE ON HORIZON<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In Emerson College&rsquo;s hypothetical 2026 general election matchup polls from November 2025, Hobbs just took the cake in each of her matchups against the three GOP candidates. The Democratic incumbent led Biggs by a hair, with 44% of likely voters&rsquo; support compared to Biggs&rsquo;s 43%. Hobbs led Robson 43% to 42%, and Hobbs led Schweikert 44% to 39%.<\/p>\n<p>Arizona&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/haley-campaign-tells-voters-trump-would-allow-russian-victory-in-new-ad\/\" title=\"Haley campaign warns of &#039;Russian victory&#039; under ... in new ad\">gubernatorial primary elections<\/a> will be held on July 21, with the general election on Nov. 3.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Trump-backed candidate exits AZ governor bid; two GOP reps<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3976,"featured_media":2569474,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Robson-scaled-e1770937940137.webp?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[36739,50264,3634],"class_list":["post-2569473","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-arizona-politics","tag-karrin-taylor-robson","tag-trump"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Robson-scaled-e1770937940137.webp?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2569473","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3976"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2569473"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2569473\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2569477,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2569473\/revisions\/2569477"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2569474"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2569473"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2569473"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2569473"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}