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ARIZONA ELECTION NEWS

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

Biggs called the accusation "an absolute lie" before criticizing Hobbs' border security record. The two never shared the stage at the Phoenix event.

Watch: The Faceoff: Trump's Canada tariffs, ICE raids and mail-in voting drama | 29 mins

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.”

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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.

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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.

David Iversen is a Phoenix-based journalist and digital content editor. He has covered local politics, national investigations and everything in between for FOX, The New York Times, Business Insider and other outlets. His work includes DuPont-winning… Read more

Comments

9 Comments

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TheReal AZNative 11 hours ago

I feel you're being too kind about voters forgetfulness or weak mindedness. Jimmy MAGA is simply bunkered down with eyes closed, ears covered (except when the OJ is talking) and singing "la la la la, I can't hear you!"

F
Frank N. Blundt 11 hours ago

How on earth Trump got reelected after all the crap he pulled is beyond me.
A weak and not so popular opponent running against him, certainly did not help.
Maybe voting America is forgetful or suffers from a weak memory?

Either way, Biggs is no Trump--popularity wise, and here in Arizona we have strong minds and a great memory.
🤥

H
Hippocrates Lives 7 hours ago

Hobbs is spot on. You’re either supportive of the domestic terrorists who attacked our nation’s capitol on J6 and violently assaulted Capitol Police officers, or you’re pro-law enforcement. Andy made his choice — he chose The Idiot and his thugs over law enforcement.