Rep. David Schweikert is expected to announce soon his future political intentions, a move that could shake up Arizona’s 2026 governor’s race and threaten Republicans’ hold on his nationally watched congressional district.
Schweikert, a veteran Republican who has represented the Scottsdale area in the U.S. House since 2011, has signaled for months he is considering running for governor.
He told The Arizona Republic in August he was weighing where he could have an “impact” on the causes he cares about.
On Sept. 23 he held a fundraiser dubbed a “discussion of the future,” according to an invitation obtained by The Republic.
Most recently Schweikert’s top political strategist, Chris Baker, said an announcement would come the week of Sept. 29.
Running for governor would be an ambitious political wager for the eight-term member of Congress. He has toyed with the idea of running statewide in past years but has never taken the plunge. Before joining Congress, Schweikert served as Maricopa County treasurer and in the Arizona Legislature.
Arizona’s gubernatorial GOP primary field is already dominated by two high-profile candidates, U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs and businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson, both of whom are endorsed by President Donald Trump. Schweikert on the other hand has long maintained a lukewarm relationship with the president, which could become a headwind with the party’s MAGA-friendly primary electorate.
His exit also would add fresh uncertainty onto the country’s electoral map in 2026.
Schweikert represents one of the most competitive House seats in the country. As a well-known incumbent with a track record of winning in the district, he is widely seen as Republicans’ best prospect for keeping the seat red.
His retirement from Congress would force the party to test their luck with a different candidate, and it would open up a primary contest that could damage the eventual Republican nominee.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Rep. David Schweikert could announce a run for Arizona governor