Republican Karrin Taylor Robson suspends her campaign for Arizona governor seat

PHOENIX — Republican businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson is no longer running for governor in the primary election.

She announced the campaign suspension on Thursday afternoon, saying the decision wasn’t easy.

“We cannot afford a divisive Republican primary that drains resources and turns into months of intraparty attacks,” she said in the announcement. “It only weakens our conservative cause and gives the left exactly what they want: a fractured Republican party heading into November. With so much on the line in 2026, I am not willing to contribute to that outcome.”

With her departure, the top two Republicans in the upcoming GOP primary are U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, with whom she shared a dual endorsement from President Donald Trump, and U.S. Rep. David Schweikert.

This was the second time Karrin Taylor Robson ran for office in Arizona

Taylor Robson lost to Trump-endorsed Kari Lake in the 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary. Lake went on to lose in the general election to Democrat Katie Hobbs, who is seeking reelection this year.

With Taylor Robson out of the race, the crowd of GOP gubernatorial hopefuls has slimmed. Whoever wins the primary election on July 21 is expected to face off against Hobbs on Nov. 3.

Republican businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson announced she has suspended her campaign for the Arizona governor seat. @TheBruceStJames & @GaydosKTAR reacted to the breaking news and asked what it means for Governor Hobbs’ reelection campaign.

Stay locked to @KTAR923 for more. pic.twitter.com/kLHx6aWTO6

— Outspoken with Bruce & Gaydos on KTAR News 92.3 (@OutspokenKTAR) February 12, 2026

“I encourage my supporters to stay engaged, stay involved and stay focused on the mission ahead. Arizona is worth fighting for, and this election will determine the direction of our state for years to come,” Taylor Robson said.

She thanked her volunteers and the Arizonans who supported her campaign, adding that she made the decision to step back after deep reflection, prayer and conversations with her family.

“While I am stepping back from this race, I am not stepping back from the fight for Arizona’s future,” Taylor Robson said. “I remain committed to helping Republicans win in 2026 and to ensuring Arizona remains strong, safe and free for generations to come.”

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