Arizona U.S. Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05) formally expressed his interest in running for Governor of Arizona in the 2026 election.
“I love the greatest state in the Union, Arizona,” his Tuesday statement began.
Biggs, who was first elected to Congress in 2016, emphasized the need for robust leadership to harness Arizona’s “full potential;” adding, “I have been honored to serve Arizona at the state and federal levels and will bring my experience home to my native state to help it fulfill its tremendous capacity.”
Biggs’ academic background includes a B.A. in Asian Studies from Brigham Young University, an M.A. in Political Science from Arizona State University, and a J.D. from the University of Arizona, which he earned in 1984. As an attorney, he practiced law in Arizona, Washington, and New Mexico.
However, it was in 1993 that Biggs’ life took an unexpected turn with a $10 million Publisher’s Clearing House Sweepstakes win.
He told reportedly The Arizona Republic in a 2002 interview, “I can’t say it (the $10 million) is my reason for running for office…But it does make it easier in that I don’t have to answer ‘How can you live on $24,000 a year?'”
Biggs successfully ran for the state house that year, edging out a crowded 5-way primary to take second place. He and then-incumbent State Rep. Eddie Farnsworth were unopposed in the general election; and Biggs would go on to serve four terms in the Arizona State House of Representatives. In 2010, he ran unopposed for the Arizona State Senate and in 2012, he was elected as the President of the Arizona State Senate.
In his pursuit to represent the people of the 5th Congressional District in the US House of Representatives, Rep. Biggs narrowly won a four-way Republican primary, and went on to defeat Democrat Talia Fuentes by 28 percentage points in the general election. He won his subsequent elections in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 by comfortable margins.
In congress, Biggs holds a seat on the House Judiciary Committee where he chairs the Crime and Federal Government Surveillance Subcommittee. He also serves on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. He formerly chaired the House Freedom Caucus for two years, and currently serves as the Co-chair of the Border Security Caucus and Co-founder of the bipartisan War Powers Caucus.
As the 118th Congress began its session in early January, Biggs is listed as sponsoring at least 25 pieces of legislation that appear to be ready to provide the legal permanence of many of President Trump’s newly-signed executive orders and actions.
One of the most newsworthy is the Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act (US HR30), which aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act. The legislation seeks to ensure that individuals with convictions or those who have committed sex offenses or domestic violence are barred from entering the United States and are deportable.
The Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act (US HR23) also stands out for its international implications. It proposes sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) should it attempt to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute U.S. personnel or allies. The measure underscores a strong assertion of national sovereignty against international legal bodies, particularly in how they might interact with American citizens or allied forces.
In the realm of international human rights, Representative Biggs introduced a bill to prohibit contributions to the United Nations Human Rights Council (US HR400). This proposal reflects a critical view of international human rights organizations, aiming to withdraw the United States’ substantial financial support.
Biggs’ bill to nullify certain Presidential withdrawals of unleased offshore land (US HR513) addresses energy policy by challenging executive decisions that limit offshore land development. This bill, if passed, would reverse these withdrawals and limit future presidential authority in this area, emphasizing energy independence over environmental concerns.
Biggs has lifetime ratings of 100% with the Club for Growth and National Right to Life, 99% with NumbersUSA, 97% with the American Conservative Union, and 93% with Heritage Action for America.
Eyeing a return to Arizona, he said, “I have a firm understanding of what the state needs to thrive. I look forward to conversing with my fellow Arizonans as I consider this weighty decision.”
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Christina Botteri is the Executive Editor of The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow her on X at @christinakb.
Photo “Rep Andy Biggs” by Rep. Andy Biggs.
