Schweikert to Launch Arizona Governor Campaign, Leaving House Seat Behind
Representative David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) is set to kick off his campaign for the governorship of Arizona this week, a bold move that sees him vacating his contentious House seat in pursuit of higher political aspirations.
“I’ve come to believe that Washington is beyond repair,” Schweikert told Axios Phoenix. “In contrast, I genuinely believe Arizona can be saved.”
The Republican primary race is already shaping up to be quite crowded, with notable contenders like Representative Andy Biggs and Karrina Taylor Robson, who previously finished second in the 2022 gubernatorial primary against Kari Lake, both receiving endorsements from former President Donald Trump.
Having represented his suburban Phoenix district since 2011, Schweikert asserts that his experience provides him with a more robust track record compared to his rivals. The lawmaker shared with the Arizona Republic that he consulted with the White House regarding his decision, which they reportedly understood.
However, Schweikert’s tenure in the House has not been devoid of controversy. In 2020, he faced a formal reprimand from the House Ethics Committee for misallocation of official funds, alongside a variety of campaign finance infractions—specifically, 11 violations identified by the committee. His reelection bid in 2022 was narrowly won by just over 3,000 votes, although his subsequent victory came with a more substantial margin exceeding 16,000 ballots.
“Arizona stands at a pivotal junction, with the upcoming gubernatorial race poised to determine our trajectory,” Schweikert declared in a statement. “Voters will have the chance to choose between a future of economic growth and shared prosperity for all Arizonans or a path that leads us toward becoming another California.”
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