President-elect Donald Trump took the opportunity to address convention attendees at Turning Point USA’s “AmericaFest” in Phoenix on Sunday morning. During his speech, he publicly endorsed two prominent Republicans for upcoming openings.
Karrin Taylor Robson has received the endorsement of Trump for the upcoming gubernatorial race in 2026 Republican primary. The winner of the primary is expected to face Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs in the general election.
“You have a governor who lacks the competence to handle her responsibilities,” he criticized Hobbs. In response, she expressed gratitude for his endorsement. President Donald Trump is a leader who represents all Americans. I am incredibly grateful to have his support. Thank you, Mr. President, for your unwavering commitment to our nation and the wonderful state of Arizona,” she expressed on Twitter. Speculation about Robson’s entry into the race has been circulating for months.
In 2022, Robson ran for the governor’s office but was unsuccessful in the primary, losing to Kari Lake, who in turn lost in the general election. Following this, Lake made another attempt at the U.S. Senate in 2024, but was defeated by Congressman Ruben Gallego. Currently, Lake is being considered as Trump’s potential candidate to lead Voice of America, an international news organization supported by the United States government.
Lake and Trump have maintained a strong alliance, with the president-elect openly supporting her campaign over Robson’s in the 2022 primary.
Robson showed his support for both Trump and Lake during the 2024 general election. Additionally, he established a political action committee with the aim of strengthening the Republican majorities in the state legislature.
Furthermore, Arizona Republican Party Chairwoman Gina Swoboda will receive Trump’s endorsement as she seeks to maintain her position after the Republican Party’s significant victories in the state during the recent November elections.
He expressed his support for Gina, saying, “We will support Gina to run again.”
The Republican assured, “If you have my endorsement, that should be good.”
A significant part of the Republican president’s speech revolved around immigration and border security, an issue of utmost importance in the Grand Canyon State during the election.
“I will designate the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations right away,” he declared, while also detailing additional measures, such as executive orders, to address the border crisis.
In the race for the state’s 11 electoral votes, Trump emerged victorious over Vice President Kamala Harris by a margin of 5.5%, with over 187,000 votes.