Political Controversy Brews Over Debate Participation in Arizona Governor’s Race
The race for Arizona’s governorship is heating up with accusations flying between candidates regarding debate participation. As four Republican contenders vie for the chance to challenge Governor Katie Hobbs in the upcoming November elections, the focus has shifted to who is attending or skipping debates.
Representative Andy Biggs, a significant figure in the Republican primary, has come under fire from Hobbs’ campaign for missing a recent candidate forum organized by Sun City West Republicans. The group Copper State Victory referred to Biggs as “Basement Biggs” for his absence, noting it as the second debate he has skipped after not attending a televised PBS candidate forum. The claims were supported by a report from the Sun City West Independent.
Copper State Victory, representing Governor Hobbs as well as Attorney General Kris Mayes and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, is critical of Biggs’ debate attendance. However, Biggs’ side contradicts these claims. Grant Stieber, a staffer for Biggs, initially suggested a scheduling conflict was the reason for Biggs’ absence. In contrast, spokesperson Drew Sexton clarified that Biggs had not committed to the forum at all, a stance echoed by Linda Barnes, vice president of the organizing group, who confirmed, “Andy never committed and never said they would be there.”
While the Hobbs campaign critiques Biggs, it is noteworthy that Hobbs herself has not committed to any debates or forums during this election cycle. Her past includes notable refusals to debate Republican opponent Kari Lake in 2022 and to engage in a primary debate that same year.
Despite the controversy, Biggs did participate in a debate with his Republican opponents on June 17, hosted by the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission. Additionally, Sexton stated that Biggs has engaged in two other forums this cycle, one with the Legislative District 27 Republicans in Glendale and another with the Palo Verde Republican Women in Scottsdale.
With early voting underway and ballots distributed, Sexton indicated a shift in campaign strategy, saying, “We’re done with forums now that early voting has started and ballots have been mailed out. We’re focused on taking our message of defeating Katie Hobbs directly to Republican voters at their doorsteps.”
Michael Beyer, spokesperson for Hobbs’ campaign, suggested that the debate over debates should be revisited post-primary, adding, “While Gov. Hobbs is out talking to voters and press across the state, Andy Biggs is hiding from forums, debates, and the press.” Beyer also emphasized Hobbs’ engagement through numerous press interviews this year, a claim matched by Biggs as well.
