Paul Bentz, Vice President of Research at Highground Inc.

Wednesday, September 02, 2026 | 23:54

How is it possible that Republicans are the ones with a big registration advantage in Arizona, yet it’s a Democrat — Gov. Katie Hobbs — who has the advantage over Republican Congressman Andy Biggs in the race for governor?   This week on the AZ Political Podcast, we pause our parade of politicos to take a look at what you think of the candidates — by peering through a polling lens with Paul Bentz, the vice president of research at political firm Highground Inc.   While Highground’s latest poll shows Hobbs up by 15 percentage points over Biggs — including sizable leads among female (28%) and independent (35%) voters — Paul believes Hobbs’ lead will shrink as we get closer to Election Day. Whether Biggs can hit the finish line with a win depends on his ability to coalesce Arizona Republicans while convincing some independents to come along for the ride.   Currently, only 70 percent of GOP voters back Biggs. The remaining Republicans are divided between the undecideds (14%) and the GOP-ers that Hobbs has in her corner (12%).    Meanwhile, Hobbs enjoys 93 percent support among Democrats.   We also get a chance to look at the favorability ratings of candidates and leaders — from Hobbs and Biggs all the way to the nation’s tippy-top: Trump. And we take a look at how much he’s helping (or hurting) candidates in our state.   No matter which candidates you plan to choose this fall (and whether or not you think your mind can be changed) I hope you choose to catch the AZ Political Podcast — available at KTAR.com, the KTAR News app and everywhere you get your podcasts.