Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs won a second term as Arizona governor, defeating Republican Rep. Andy Biggs in a closely watched contest shaped by water, affordability, immigration and abortion policy.
[CALLING OUTLET] projected Hobbs as the winner at [TIME] [DAY], with [PERCENT]% of ballots tabulated. Arizona’s unofficial results showed Hobbs with [HOBBS%] to Biggs’ [BIGGS%], a margin of [VOTES] votes. The totals remain subject to additional counting and the statewide canvass.
Hobbs entered the race after four years of divided government, with Republicans controlling both legislative chambers. She campaigned on bipartisan budgets, state investments in border enforcement and her handling of Arizona’s worsening Colorado River dispute. She emphasized abortion rights and criticized Biggs’ record on the 2020 presidential election and federal spending.
Biggs, a fifth-term congressman and former House Freedom Caucus chairman, ran with President Donald Trump’s endorsement. He proposed gradually eliminating Arizona’s individual income tax, expanding school choice, tightening immigration enforcement and taking a more confrontational approach in negotiations over water.
The result repeated Hobbs’ ability to win a closely divided state. She defeated Republican Kari Lake by less than one percentage point in 2022, while Trump carried Arizona in 2024. Hobbs was one of only two Democratic governors seeking reelection this year in states Trump won.
Hobbs’ running mate, former Mesa Mayor John Giles, will become Arizona’s first lieutenant governor. Giles was a longtime Republican before becoming unaffiliated and joined the Democratic ticket as part of Hobbs’ appeal to moderate and independent voters.
[LEGISLATIVE CONTROL SENTENCE: Hobbs will begin her second term with Republicans/Democrats controlling ______, creating a divided government/Democratic trifecta.]
Hobbs and Giles will take office in January.
