Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs won re-election on Tuesday, defeating Republican challenger Representative Andy Biggs.
The Associated Press called the race for Hobbs at 3:20 am on Wednesday at 55 percent with 80 percent of votes tallied.
Hobbs, who was first elected in 2022, was considered the most vulnerable Democratic incumbent governor but managed to fight off a significant Republican challenger.
Biggs had the support of the conservative student activist group Turning Point USA, founded by slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who enthusiastically endorsed him before his death in September 2025.
His race became a referendum on Turning Point USA, which has struggled in the year since Kirk's untimely death.
For Charlie, the race between Biggs and Hobbs was personal – Arizona is the home to the TPUSA headquarters and where he lived.
'This state is home, this is the state where I am raising my kids,' Charlie said at a rally for Biggs.
Biggs was also a friend of Charlie's, as their families spent time together talking about their big dreams for Arizona.
President Donald Trump also endorsed Biggs, leading to a 60-point primary victory over Republican Congressman David Schweikert.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs was considered one of the most vulnerable Democratic governors in the country
Before his death, Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk outlined his plan to make Arizona a Republican power center
Public polling showed the race within 5-6 points, with Hobbs in the lead.
Hobbs spent about $17 million on the effort to keep her seat while Biggs had a smaller pool of campaign funds with just over $5 million spent.
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The Democratic Governors Association contributed $14 million to support Hobbs while Turning Point Action spent about $18.5 million in the race.
Hobbs refused to debate Biggs, which he called 'disqualifying' and continued to question her record in her first term as Governor.
Hobbs continued thwarting the agenda of the Republican controlled state legislature, vetoing 541 bills since taking office, the record for the most vetoes by any Arizona governor.
Her victory cements Democratic leadership of the state, despite voting for Trump in 2024.
Democrats also control the offices of the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and both United States Senate seats.
And it's not a good sign for the future influence of TPUSA.
The race was personal, with TPUSA activists working long hours chasing ballots in the state 'for Charlie.'
Charlie had endorsed Representative Andy Biggs in May of 2025
A source familiar with the dynamics in the organization told the Daily Mail that a loss was likely to energize critics of his wife Erika's leadership since his death.
And that includes ex-employee and controversial podcaster Candace Owens.
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