In an attempt to unseat Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, Congressman Andy Biggs is seeking a replacement in the former NFL kicker.
In a surprising political development with shades of both gridiron grit and partisan ambition, Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs is reportedly courting a high-profile outsider to challenge Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in the upcoming gubernatorial election—a former NFL kicker.
The notion of turning to a professional athlete, one with no prior political experience, might sound far-fetched on paper. Yet in today’s political climate—where celebrity appeal can rival policy chops—Biggs sees opportunity where others see novelty. This bold move comes as the Arizona GOP wrestles with its identity post-2020 and seeks to reclaim the governor’s mansion in 2026. At the center of this effort: an ex-NFL player known more for clutch kicks than campaign slogans.
Andy Biggs, a deeply conservative congressman from Arizona’s 5th district and a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus, has long positioned himself as a staunch opponent of Democratic leadership at both the state and federal levels. His disdain for Katie Hobbs—who narrowly defeated MAGA-backed Kari Lake in 2022—is no secret.
But Biggs, who has repeatedly flirted with statewide runs of his own, seems to be embracing a kingmaker role instead of mounting a personal bid. According to multiple GOP insiders, he is lobbying behind the scenes to elevate a former NFL kicker—whose name is being withheld until an official announcement—to take on Hobbs in what could be one of the most unconventional matchups in modern Arizona politics.
“Biggs believes this guy has star power, conservative values, and crossover appeal,” one Arizona GOP strategist told The Arizona Republic. “He’s looking for someone who can fire up the base but also appeal to independents who rejected Kari Lake’s chaos.”
While the former kicker’s identity remains under wraps for now, sources close to the campaign say he enjoyed a lengthy and successful NFL career, spent time in the Arizona community post-retirement, and has been quietly building connections with conservative donors.
The athlete is said to have strong Christian values, a commitment to school choice, and a firm stance on border security—three pillars Biggs and many Arizona Republicans view as essential to energizing the base.
“He’s not just some jock,” said one GOP donor who’s been approached for early contributions. “He’s articulate, charismatic, and people trust him. In an age of disillusionment with politicians, that matters.”
Former President Donald Trump has reportedly been briefed on the possible run and, according to a source familiar with the situation, is “open” to the idea, though he has not made any endorsements in the race.
Hobbs, Arizona’s first Democratic governor in over a decade, took office amid a storm of election denialism, lawsuits, and death threats. Her tenure has been marked by a tug-of-war with the Republican-led legislature and limited success in pushing through major Democratic initiatives.
Still, she has enjoyed some wins—presiding over a period of strong job growth, signing a bipartisan water conservation bill, and skillfully avoiding major scandals that plagued her predecessor. However, Hobbs’ approval ratings remain middling, and Arizona remains a battleground state teetering on the edge of red and blue.
A 2024 Gallup poll showed that 47% of Arizonans approve of Hobbs’ job performance, while 45% disapprove. Among independents, her numbers are even shakier, hovering just above 40%.
Those vulnerabilities have Republicans like Biggs salivating.
“Hobbs is beatable, but only with the right candidate,” said conservative radio host James T. Harris. “Kari Lake’s loss showed us that extremism won’t fly. But a fresh face, a name people know and admire? That could change the whole game.”
The idea of transitioning from sports fame to political office is not unprecedented. Former NFL players like Jack Kemp and Heath Shuler served in Congress. More recently, Georgia elected Herschel Walker to the Republican ticket for U.S. Senate (though he lost in the runoff). And of course, Arnold Schwarzenegger famously became governor of California after a movie career.
Name recognition is currency in politics, and Biggs is clearly hoping to cash in.
But political consultant Kristin Davison warns that not every celebrity is ready for the spotlight that comes with governance.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” Davison said. “Yes, a former athlete might energize people. But once they step into the arena, they better be ready to answer tough policy questions and articulate real solutions—or voters will see through the hype.”
At the core of this story is a broader identity struggle within the Arizona Republican Party. After the chaos of the 2020 and 2022 cycles, state Republicans are divided. Some cling to Trump and the “Stop the Steal” narrative, while others argue the party must move forward with a more disciplined, issues-based approach.
Andy Biggs remains a firebrand, often echoing Trump’s most controversial stances. Yet his interest in a moderate-leaning, celebrity candidate suggests a nuanced political calculation. It’s a pivot from Kari Lake’s ultra-confrontational campaign—a strategy that energized die-hards but alienated key swing voters.
“Biggs doesn’t want another Kari Lake situation,” said a GOP operative close to the congressman. “He wants a winner. And that means finding someone who doesn’t scare suburban moms.”
If the former kicker runs, he’ll have to navigate that same treacherous terrain: toeing the conservative line while showing enough pragmatism to win over independents and soft Democrats.
The early response from voters is mixed. Some are intrigued by the idea of a political outsider—especially one with local ties and national name recognition. Others worry that gimmicks are replacing substance.
“I’m all for fresh blood,” said Maricopa County resident Christina Torres. “But being good at football doesn’t mean you understand public policy.”
By contrast, Jacob Hansen, a conservative voter in Mesa, is enthusiastic.
“I loved watching him on Sundays. If he brings that same energy to politics, I’m all in. At least he’s not another suit.”
Still, both parties agree that a gubernatorial campaign in Arizona is a grueling, high-stakes affair. Name ID helps, but it won’t be enough. The former kicker will need a coherent platform, skilled advisors, and the ability to withstand the scrutiny of both the press and the public.
Governor Hobbs has yet to publicly address the speculation surrounding Biggs’ push for a celebrity challenger. However, her communications team issued a statement reaffirming her commitment to “fighting for working families, protecting democracy, and ensuring Arizona remains a place where everyone can thrive.”
Privately, Democrats aren’t worried—yet.
“This feels like a Hail Mary,” said one state Democratic official. “But stranger things have happened. We’re watching closely.”
Insiders suggest that an official announcement could come this summer, perhaps tied to a statewide speaking tour or fundraising event. The former NFL kicker is reportedly undergoing media training and policy briefings with a team of Republican strategists in Scottsdale.
If he declares, expect a splashy rollout—potentially complete with endorsements from current and former players, conservative influencers, and possibly Trump himself.
Biggs, meanwhile, is likely to remain in the background—serving as the powerbroker who handpicked a non-politician to lead the Republican ticket.
Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen. But one thing’s for certain: Arizona’s political playbook just got a little more unpredictable.
The convergence of sports, celebrity, and politics is nothing new. What’s different this time is the sheer audacity of the move—and the uncertainty of its success. Andy Biggs’ pursuit of a former NFL kicker to take on Katie Hobbs is a testament to both his ambition and the volatile nature of modern American politics.
Will voters rally behind a household name with cleats instead of credentials? Or will Hobbs’ steady governance win the day? With Arizona once again shaping up as a national battleground, the eyes of the country will soon be fixed on a most unexpected contest.
