Democrats re-nominate Arizona governor, setting stage for high-stakes November battle

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Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs cruised to re-nomination in battleground Arizona.

That’s because the incumbent governor was unopposed in Tuesday’s Democratic primary.

Hobbs, a former Arizona Secretary of State who narrowly defeated then-GOP nominee Kari Lake four years ago, now heads to the general election in the key southwestern battleground state.

“I’ve never lost an election, but I’ve also never won one alone. This will be a close race, but I’m excited to be in this fight with all of you to keep Arizona moving forward,” the governor told supporters in a social media post minutes after polls closed.

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Hobbs will face off against the winner of the Republican gubernatorial primary.

Rep. Andy Biggs, a former House Freedom Caucus chair, is backed by President Donald Trump and by the political wing of the conservative powerhouse Turning Point USA. Also on the GOP ballot are longtime Republican Rep. David Schweikert, concrete pumping contractor Scott Neely, who’s making his second straight run for governor, and business owner Ken Miceli.

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Hobbs, who has assembled a formidable campaign war chest, spent roughly $7 million during the primary to run ads, even though she faced no competition.

“We are running the race we need to win, and it is going to take a lot to get there. We know it’s going to be a close race,” Hobbs told reporters on Monday. “I’m proud of the support I’ve garnered and, you know, I’m not raising campaign money to haul it away. I’m raising it to spend.”

The governor’s ads, aimed partially at independent and Republican voters, showcased what she said were Arizona’s economic wins during her tenure, and her bipartisan efforts working across the aisle with the GOP-controlled legislature.

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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, chair of the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), said in a statement that “Arizona is always an incredibly competitive battleground and the DGA is all-in to make sure Gov. Hobbs wins so she can continue putting Arizona first.”

The Libertarian Party, the Green Party, and No Labels are also running candidates on the general election ballot in the race for Arizona governor.

Fox News’ Olivia Palombo contributed to this story

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