Arizona Midterm Polls 2026: Who is Katie Hobbs? Democrat outspends Republican rival Andy Biggs in race for governor as she seeks second term in office; all you need to know

Voters in Arizona are set to vote in US midterm elections on November 3, 2026 (Tuesday). As they go out to cast their ballots, they will choose their preferred candidates who are part of important races for governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. Eyes will be set on the Arizona gubernatorial election, which will see incumbent Democrat Katie Hobbs against Republican Andy Biggs.

As of now, Hobbs has reportedly marched ahead of Biggs in terms of money spent on campaigning in the race for governor. Citing the latest campaign finance reports, Arizona’s Family (AZ) reported that she has outspent her Republican challenger by $12 million. The gap gets even bigger when outside spending is also taken into account.

The election campaign of Hobbs spent more than $17 million on the race. On the other hand, Biggs spent just over $5 million, according to the reports.

Katie Hobbs vs Andy Biggs: A look at contributions from outside groups

The individual filings of candidates do not reflect the financial support that candidates receive from outside groups. Hobbs, along with other Democratic candidates, has received backing from the Navajo County Democratic Committee. According to AZ Family, it has spent more than $33 million.

Pertinently, the amount also includes $14 million from the Democratic Governors Association. Not only the incumbent Democrat but also her challenger, Biggs, is also receiving money infusion from outside.

Outside groups have spent over $21 million combined on the gubernatorial race to support him. Among the groups, prominent contributions have arrived from Turning Point USA, a conservative advocacy group started by the late Charlie Kirk.

Who is Katie Hobbs

Katie Hobbs is the current governor of Arizona. She is running for the post and will be seeking a second term in office as she braces for the November 3, 2026, midterm elections. Born in Arizona, she grew up in a working-class family in Tempe. She studied at Northern Arizona University (NAU) and Arizona State University (ASU) on scholarships, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work.

Before entering politics, Hobbs began her career as a social worker. According to the Arizona Governor’s Office website, she worked with homeless youth. Later she went on to help run one of the largest domestic violence shelters in the country.

Katie faced several challenges being a part of working-class people in the state. According to her own website, she worked at a Burger King in Tempe and then at Pizza Hut to help pay for school. She raised two kids through the Great Recession, and she and her husband are still paying off their student loans, her website says.