In the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections, former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence within the Republican Party, with most of his endorsed candidates securing primary victories. On Friday, Trump extended his support to Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) in his bid to become Arizona’s next governor.
“It is my Great Honor to endorse Highly Respected America First Congressman, Andy Biggs, who is running to be the next Governor of the wonderful State of Arizona, a State I won BIG!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He praised Biggs as a “very successful Civic Leader, Attorney, former State Representative, former State Senator, and now, as a distinguished U.S. Congressman,” highlighting his record of public service and accomplishments.
Trump outlined Biggs’ anticipated priorities as governor, including economic growth, tax and regulatory reductions, promoting American manufacturing, energy dominance, border security, law and order, military and law enforcement support, election integrity, and Second Amendment protections.
Republicans have faced challenges in recent Arizona statewide races during the Trump era, though Trump himself carried the state. Biggs is seen as a more conventional conservative candidate compared to some prior nominees. Trump also endorsed Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) for reelection, describing him as a “MAGA warrior.”
Separately, the Trump administration took a significant step on election administration Friday by removing the remaining members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). The move leaves the bipartisan panel without any sitting commissioners, setting the stage for potential legal and political challenges ahead of the midterms.
Democratic commissioners Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland were notified via email from the Executive Office of the President that their positions were terminated effective immediately. Republican Commissioner Christy McCormick was asked to resign, while another Republican, Donald Palmer, had departed earlier this year.
Established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002, the EAC does not administer elections but plays a key role in distributing federal grants, developing voluntary voting system guidelines, certifying voting equipment, and maintaining the national mail voter registration form.
Supporters of the shake-up view it as a necessary effort to bolster election security, while critics argue it represents an attempt to reshape the nation’s election infrastructure. The vacancies mean the commission cannot approve certain actions requiring commissioner approval until President Trump nominates replacements and the Senate confirms them.
The developments underscore Trump’s ongoing focus on election integrity, a cornerstone of his second-term agenda.
