Arizona’s Republican gubernatorial primary took center stage June 27 as candidates Scott Neely and U.S. Rep. David Schweikert debated before a crowd of more than 100 Sun City and Sun City West residents, while frontrunner U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs skipped the event and instead addressed attendees through a prerecorded video.
The forum at Palm Ridge Recreation Center was originally scheduled to feature all three Republican candidates. Biggs did not attend, with campaign staffer Grant Stieber citing a “scheduling conflict” and declining further comment. His campaign instead submitted a prerecorded video that was played for the audience.
Biggs’ absence quickly became an issue during the forum, with both Neely and Schweikert suggesting the congressman was avoiding a live debate.
