Andy Biggs

Andrew Steven Biggs is an American politician and lawyer who has been serving as the U.S. Representative for Arizona's 5th congressional district since January 2017. A member of the Republican Party, Biggs has a long history of public service at both the state and federal levels. His political career began in the Arizona State Legislature, where he served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate before being elected to Congress. In addition to his legislative duties, Biggs has held significant leadership roles, including serving as the chairman of the Freedom Caucus. He is currently pursuing a candidacy for the 2026 Arizona gubernatorial election, aiming to challenge the incumbent governor, Katie Hobbs.

Early life and career

Andy Biggs was born on November 7, 1958, in Tucson, Arizona. His early life included a formative experience as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, during which he spent time in Japan and became fluent in Japanese. This linguistic skill would later contribute to his understanding of Asian cultures and politics. Biggs pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Asian studies from Brigham Young University in 1982. He continued his academic journey by obtaining a Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona in 1984, followed by a Master of Arts in political science from Arizona State University in 1999.

Before entering politics, Biggs worked as a lawyer, initially for a firm in Hobbs, New Mexico. He later relocated to Phoenix, where he served as a prosecutor, gaining valuable experience in the legal system. In a notable turn of events in 1993, Biggs won a significant sum of $10 million in the American Family Publishers sweepstakes, which brought him into the public eye. He appeared in a television advertisement alongside well-known figures such as Dick Clark and Ed McMahon, further raising his profile.

House tenure

Biggs's political career in the Arizona State Legislature began in 2003 when he was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives. His initial entry into politics was marked by a competitive primary election in which he placed second but ultimately secured a seat in the general election. Over the next several years, he was re-elected multiple times, consistently demonstrating his electoral strength within his district. In 2011, Biggs transitioned to the Arizona Senate, where he served until 2017. During his time in the Senate, he held the position of president from 2013 to 2017, showcasing his leadership capabilities.

In 2016, Biggs sought to expand his political influence by running for the U.S. House of Representatives, aiming to succeed the retiring Representative Matt Salmon. His campaign was marked by a competitive Republican primary, where he narrowly emerged as the nominee after a recount confirmed his victory by a slim margin. Biggs's primary win positioned him favorably for the general election, as the 5th congressional district had a strong Republican history. He ultimately won the general election against Democratic nominee Talia Fuentes, securing a substantial majority of the votes.

Since taking office in January 2017, Biggs has been re-elected to serve multiple terms in the U.S. House. His tenure has been characterized by active participation in various congressional caucuses, including the Congressional Western Caucus and the Republican Study Committee. In September 2019, he assumed the role of chair of the Freedom Caucus, succeeding Mark Meadows. This leadership position has allowed him to influence conservative policy discussions and legislative strategies within the House.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his time in Congress, Biggs has maintained a focus on several key issues that align with his conservative values. He was a supporter of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which aimed to provide economic relief to American citizens and businesses. His advocacy for tax reform reflects a broader commitment to fiscal conservatism and reducing government intervention in the economy.

Biggs's legislative actions during the COVID-19 pandemic were particularly notable. He was one of the few representatives to vote against an emergency aid package intended to address the crisis, expressing concerns about the bill's size and scope. He continued to oppose subsequent COVID-19 relief packages, arguing that the government's response was excessive and detrimental to individual freedoms. His stance on pandemic-related legislation highlighted his commitment to limited government and skepticism regarding federal spending.

In addition to his positions on economic issues, Biggs has been involved in discussions surrounding election integrity. In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, he joined other Republican lawmakers in raising concerns about alleged voter fraud. This involvement included signing an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit challenging the election results in Texas, which sought to invalidate the votes of several states. His actions during this period reflect a broader trend among some Republican lawmakers to question the legitimacy of the electoral process.

Biggs's legislative focus has also included a commitment to conservative social values and a strong national defense. He has been an advocate for policies that align with the interests of his constituents in Arizona's 5th congressional district, which encompasses parts of Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, and Gilbert. The district has a history of Republican representation, and Biggs's positions resonate with the values of many of his constituents.

As he continues to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, Biggs remains an influential figure within the Republican Party, particularly among conservative lawmakers. His leadership roles and active participation in legislative discussions position him as a key player in shaping the party's direction and policy priorities. With his sights set on the 2026 gubernatorial election, Biggs is poised to further extend his political influence in Arizona and beyond.