REPORT: Prominent Conservative Pundit Is Considering A Bid For AZ Governor

Turning Point USA founder and nationally-syndicated conservative radio host is reportedly considering a bid for governor of Arizona in 2026, according to a segment from 12 News Phoenix.

During a segment on the 2024 election results, the Phoenix-based news crew acknowledged that “rumors” are swirling surrounding the possibility of Kirk running for office.

Kirk — who currently resides in Phoenix — is perhaps best known for founding the Turning Point USA, organization which seeks to foster conservative activism and thought on college, high school and university campuses. The organization has jumpstarted dozens of prominent conservative activists and social media personalities while in recent years, particularly in the build-up to the 2024 election, Turning Point USA played a key role in organizing get out the vote and early voting efforts for Republican candidates and President-elect Donald Trump.

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During the 12 News segment, panelists acknowledged that Kirk’s organization has become a major force in American politics. “They played a big role in Republican victories this year. Charlie Kirk has emerged as a significant player in power politics, in Republican politics,” 12 News political analyst Brahm Resnik told his co-panelists. “There are rumors he wants to run for governor. Is that a possibility? Is that a real thing?”

“I think it’s a very real possibility,” answered Christine Jones, a Phoenix-based attorney and former Republican candidate for governor.  “There is no doubt that Turning Point has showed an ability to both raise money and exert influence. The appetite for somebody with his politics is a different story, right?” she continued before wondering whether Arizonans would prefer a more established candidate instead.

“So I don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion for him, but there cannot be an estimate underestimating the power of his potential as a candidate because he can raise money and a lot of people know who he is, and he’s on TV, and he’s having massive rallies around the state and around the country. So I would definitely keep an eye on him,” Jones added.

The panel’s Democrat panelist welcomed the idea for different reasons, stating that “Democrats welcome Charlie Kirk to the governor’s race.”

“I think when you look at the names that are being floated right now that that would be the best setup for another Democratic win in a general election. So, you know, try it out. Let’s go for it, Charlie,” said Democrat political consultant Dawn Penich.

Penich’s confidence in an easy re-election bid for incumbent Governor Katie Hobbs — a Democrat who narrowly defeated Republican challenger Kari Lake in 2022 — could perhaps be unfounded. A recent poll from Emerson College found Hobbs’ approval rating underwater, with just 37 percent of respondents expressing satisfaction with the Democrat’s job performance compared with 42 percent who expressed disapproval.

Hobbs could be facing additional political challenges if she goes through with her promise to defy federal immigration law and refuses to allow the Trump Administration to deport illegal aliens in the state. Trump comfortably carried the Grand Canyon State earlier this month, winning by more than five percentage points in a race where illegal immigration polled as a top concern for voters.

Kirk has not yet commented on the rumors surrounding his potential candidacy. Other potential candidates include Karrin Taylor Robson, a political consultant who unsuccessfully challenged Kari Lake in 2022, State Treasurer Kimberly Yee and Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb.

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