Top Republican governor makes key border state gubernatorial endorsement
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has officially endorsed Karrin Taylor Robson in the Arizona 2026 gubernatorial Republican primary. Robson is aiming to challenge Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in what is anticipated to be a highly competitive race.
In an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, Sanders expressed her support for Robson, stating, “I am proud to join President Trump in endorsing Karrin Taylor Robson for Governor. Karrin is the conservative outsider and business leader Arizona needs. I know she will join me in partnering with the Trump Administration to secure our borders, create a strong economy, and say NO to the Woke Agenda. Join me in supporting Karrin today!”
Sanders, who previously served as a press secretary for President Donald Trump and later became the Governor of Arkansas in 2023, succeeded Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson. Robson, in response to the endorsement, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am deeply honored to have Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ support. Her leadership in Arkansas and her dedication to President Trump’s America First agenda is an example for every Governor in the country to follow. I’m thrilled she’s joining President Trump in supporting my campaign to deliver results for Arizona by defeating radical Katie Hobbs, locking down our border, and building a stronger, safer state.”
At Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, Trump had indicated his intention to endorse Robson if she decided to run for governor. Trump stated, “Are you running for governor? I think so, Karrin, \’cause if you do you’re gonna have my support, OK?”
Robson previously ran for governor in 2022 and narrowly lost to Republican Kari Lake. Despite their intense primary battle, Robson ultimately endorsed both Trump and Lake in their 2024 general election campaigns.
In the upcoming primary, Robson will face competition from Rep. Andy Biggs, who has also garnered support from Trump and fellow Republican Arizona Representatives Eli Crane and Paul Gosar, as well as Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert. Some critics believe that Biggs may have a better chance of winning over the Republican base and are hopeful that Trump may reconsider his endorsement.
The primary election is scheduled for August 4, 2026, leaving ample time for other potential candidates to enter the race. Cook Political Report has labeled the general election as a toss-up, indicating the high stakes involved. Additionally, other statewide offices, such as secretary of state and attorney general, will also be contested in Arizona, a battleground state that Trump carried in 2024.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the endorsements and campaigns of Robson and her competitors will shape the future of Arizona politics. With the support of prominent figures like Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and former President Donald Trump, Robson’s bid for governor is set to be a closely watched and fiercely contested race.
