Rep. David Schweikert announces run for Arizona Governor

Arizona Congressman David Schweikert is entering the governor’s race, joining fellow Republicans Andy Biggs and Karrin Taylor Robson in the primary. Schweikert, first elected in 2010 represents parts of Phoenix and Scottsdale and is seeking to expand his political career at the state level.

On the democratic side, Katie Hobbs has announced that she will run for reelection.

Political strategist Chuck Coughlin, President and CEO of HighGround, Inc., joined “Arizona Horizon” to break down what Schweikert’s candidacy could mean for the race.

“…it’s an important seat for the Republicans to hold onto, and I never really thought that he was serious about running for governor,” Coughlin said, “…well I was wrong, he’s in the race and this is for real.”

Schweikert was sworn in after the 2010 election, as a fiscal conservative and a budget hawk. A budget hawk is one that focuses on controlling government spending, and reducing the national deficit. That constituency is no longer represented in neither the house nor the senate.

“These people are running up the deficit…and he’s a deficit hawk, and I think that bothers him,” Coughlin explained. “My guess is that he is distinctly disturbed by that and can’t rationalize why he’s gonna continue to support those type of spending practices.”

Schweikert will face tough competition in the Republican primary as both Andy Biggs and Karrin Taylor Robson announced they will be running for governor as well.

“David will compete with those on the Biggs side…Karrins a very steady candidate with the business community,” Coughlin said, “…I just personally don’t see the lane, I may be wrong…he’s got smart people…but I don’t see the lane that they do.”