Katie Hobbs tells police forum Andy Biggs sided with Jan. 6 rioters over officers

Arizona’s gubernatorial candidates took turns attacking each other’s credibility on law enforcement Tuesday, one from the debate stage and the other in a press scrum.

At a public safety forum hosted by the Arizona Police Association in Phoenix, U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs used his closing remarks to cast himself as the candidate ready to lead Arizona.

“I am prepared to go step in right away to be a governor,” Biggs told moderator Mike Broomhead of KTAR News 92.3 FM. “I know how the state Legislature works. I worked there. I know how the feds work. I worked there.”

Gov. Katie Hobbs, speaking after Biggs left the room under forum rules that kept the candidates separate, went further.

She told the room of police chiefs and officers that Biggs had voted against Congressional Gold Medals for Capitol Police, called Jan. 6 defendants “political prisoners,” and greeted their supporters at a D.C. jail after pardons were issued.

“I will never stand with folks who assault officers,” Hobbs said. “I will stand with officers every single day.”

Biggs denied the claim that he appeared at the jail to support Jan. 6 defendants.

“That is an absolute lie. It is a fabrication. It’s about as nutty as I’ve heard from her this campaign,” he told reporters after the forum.

Multiple news outlets, including NBC4 Washington, reported that Biggs was outside the D.C. jail on Jan. 21, 2025, as pardoned defendants were released.

Biggs also challenged Hobbs on border security.

“(Hobbs) supported Biden’s open border. She took down Gov. Ducey’s container barriers and then she actually defunded the Border Security Strike Force.”

Hobbs has declined a formal debate. Tuesday’s forum, where the candidates never shared a stage, may be the only event both attend before November.

Recent polls show the governor leading by double digits.

KTAR News reporter Heidi Hommel contributed to this report.

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