Schweikert’s Bold Move Shakes Up Arizona Politics
In a high-stakes political gamble, U.S. Representative David Schweikert announced on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, that he will run for governor of Arizona—abandoning his competitive House seat in the Phoenix suburbs and triggering a potential domino effect in the 2026 elections.
Why This Matters
Schweikert’s decision to leave Arizona’s 1st Congressional District—a swing seat President Trump narrowly won in 2024—creates a rare open-seat opportunity in a critical battleground. Democrats immediately signaled strong interest in flipping the district, which could reshape control of the House.
“This is the kind of seat that decides who runs Congress,” said Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Suzan DelBene. “We’re all in.”
Arizona’s 2026 Governor’s Race: A Republican Free-for-All
Schweikert joins a growing list of Republicans vying to challenge Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, who is seeking re-election. The GOP field already includes:
- Kari Lake – 2022 gubernatorial nominee and Trump-endorsed firebrand
- Mark Finchem – Former state representative and 2020 election denier
- Ruben Gallego – Wait, no—he’s a Democrat (and U.S. Senator). But his potential crossover influence looms.
- Doug Ducey – Former governor (term-limited, but rumors of a write-in persist)
Schweikert, a six-term congressman known for fiscal conservatism and occasional breaks with Trump, is positioning himself as the “grown-up in the room”—a contrast to Lake’s combative style.
Impact on Congressional Balance
Arizona’s 1st District (AZ-01) spans Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and parts of northeast Phoenix. It flipped from Democratic control in 2024 by just 1.2 points. With Schweikert gone, both parties see it as highly winnable.
| Factor | Democratic Advantage | Republican Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Voter Registration | Unaffiliated voters: 38% | Republicans: 34% |
| 2024 Presidential Vote | Biden: 49.1% | Trump: 50.3% |
| Key Issues | Health care, abortion access | Border security, inflation |
| Fundraising Potential | National Dems targeting heavily | Local GOP infrastructure strong |
What’s Next?
Schweikert must first survive a bruising Republican primary likely to be dominated by Trump loyalists. If he wins the nomination, he’ll face Governor Hobbs—a seasoned campaigner with strong support in Maricopa County.
Meanwhile, national Democrats are already vetting candidates for AZ-01, with names like former state Senator Kelli Ward (no relation to the GOP figure) and Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin gaining traction.
“Schweikert just handed Democrats a golden ticket. An open seat in a district that’s purple, not red—that’s the dream.”
— Jennifer Duffy, Cook Political Report
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