Trump-backed Republican drops out of pivotal swing state race

A Republican candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump for governor of Arizona is suspending her campaign — but this doesn't mean Trump has no cards to play in the race.

On Thursday, former Arizona Board of Regents member Karrin Taylor Robson posted her withdrawal announcement, exactly a year after she began her campaign.

"I am truly humbled and grateful for the volunteers across our state and the tens of thousands of Arizonans who supported our campaign because they believe, as I do, that Arizona deserves strong conservative leadership, economic freedom, and a government that works for the people," wrote Robson. "But 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."

"While I am stepping back from this race, I am not stepping back from the fight for Arizona's future," she continued. "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."

Robson first ran for governor in 2022, but lost out to Trump-endorsed Kari Lake, who proceeded to lose that election to Democrat Katie Hobbs. This time, Robson received Trump's endorsement — but her path was complicated when Trump co-endorsed far-right Rep. Andy Biggs.

With Robson withdrawn, Biggs now has a much clearer path to the nomination to challenge Hobbs' bid for a second term, though he still must contend with Congressman David Schweikert and businessman Scott Neely.