Citizen McCain with Meghan McCain
Citizen McCain with Meghan McCain

What Arizona's Primary Means for the Next Presidential Election

July 23, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Arizona's Primary Results and the Shifting Political Landscape

Arizona Republicans delivered a decisive victory to Congressman Andy Biggs in the gubernatorial primary, handing him 75% of the vote over fellow congressman David Schweikert. The result sets up what is expected to be one of the most closely watched general election races in the country, with Biggs facing Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in a contest that political observers see as a bellwether for the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential cycle.

The Arizona Republican Primary and Its Implications

The lopsided primary result, according to Phoenix radio host Bruce St. James, came down to two factors: the Trump endorsement and low turnout. "The people that did turn out were rabid fans," St. James said. Biggs, an election denier who received strong support from Turning Point USA, now faces the challenge of winning over independents in a state that has shifted dramatically in recent years. Arizona, once reliably red, now has two Democratic senators and a Democratic governor. St. James described the state as "center right" but noted that "the Democrats in the state of Arizona elected to statewide office... they are not Democratic socialists. They are not talking about those things. They don't govern that way." This dynamic, he argued, is the key to understanding why Republicans keep losing: "The Republicans have

Continue reading the full summary in the app — free to try.

Read Full Summary →

Free • No credit card required

Listen to Audio Summary Open in App

What you'll learn

  • 1 (01:56) **Arizona Primary Results: Andy Biggs Wins Governor Nomination** - Meghan and guest Bruce St. James break down the Arizona GOP primary results, focusing on Rep. Andy Biggs’s landslide win for governor.
  • 2 (09:08) **Sheriff Mark Lamb’s Scandal and Primary Win** - The conversation shifts to Mark Lamb, who won the GOP primary for Andy Biggs’s open congressional seat despite multiple sex scandals.
  • 3 (13:11) **Marlene Galán Woods Loses in CD-1** - The hosts discuss the surprising loss of Marlene Galán Woods, the DNC-backed candidate and widow of former AG Grant Woods, in the Democratic primary for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District.
  • 4 (16:57) **Why Arizona Republicans Keep Losing Statewide** - Meghan and Bruce analyze the broader shift in Arizona politics, from a reliably red state to one where Democrats hold the governorship and both Senate seats.
  • 5 (21:31) **Mark Kelly’s Presidential Ambitions** - Meghan brings up a recent Mark Leibovich profile of Sen. Mark Kelly, speculating on his national aspirations and the rumors about his VP vetting with Kamala Harris.
  • 6 (24:41) **Ruben Gallego’s Scandals and Presidential Hopes** - The discussion turns to Sen. Ruben Gallego, who faces questions about relationships with staffers and his close friendship with Rep. Eric Swalwell.
  • 7 (33:21) **Alicia Krauss on Arizona Politics** - Second guest Alicia Krauss joins to offer a California perspective on the Arizona primary and its national implications.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Meghan McCain

Show Notes

Arizona's primary elections could reshape the political map heading into 2028.

Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins are joined by KTAR radio host Bruce St. James to break down the biggest winners and losers from Arizona's pivotal primary, including Andy Biggs' commanding Republican victory, Katie Hobbs' path to reelection, Ruben Gallego's growing political ambitions, and why Arizona remains one of the country's most important political bellwethers.

Then political commentator Elisha Krauss joins the show to discuss the race to replace Senator Lindsey Graham, Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America, and why Zohran Mamdani's rise continues to reshape the national political conversation.

Plus:

  • The future of South Carolina after Lindsey Graham
  • Darline Graham enters the Senate race
  • Mark Kelly and 2028 speculation
  • Haley Stevens vs. Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan
  • The Epstein files and Real Housewives collide
  • Meghan and Miranda respond to viral comments about aging, motherhood, and life in the public eye

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Citizen McCain with Meghan McCain

More from this podcast

Citizen McCain with Meghan McCain →