Rep. Andy Biggs faces criticism over past decisions
YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), the Republican candidate for Arizona governor, is facing criticism over decisions he made while in office involving child protection and the Colorado City Marshal’s Office.
The Copper State War Room held a press conference Thursday with several speakers, including a former state legislator, a domestic violence survivor and victim advocate, a school board member and an attorney.
The group accused Rep. Biggs of failing to do enough to protect children and said Arizona voters deserve an explanation for his decisions.
“A vote for governor is very important and both candidates have records, very clear records,” said Debbie McCune Davis, a former state legislator. “They served in public office for a number of years and the contrast is very clear as to who stands up for women and children.”
Lauren Easter, a domestic violence survivor and victim advocate, said Biggs should address the concerns raised by survivors and families.
“And I believe Andy Biggs owes survivors and families across Arizona an explanation for the decision he made,” Easter said.
The group also criticized Biggs over a bipartisan bill involving the Colorado City Marshal’s Office. The legislation would have removed the marshal’s law enforcement authority following allegations of abuse and religious discrimination.
The Arizona House passed the bill, but it never received a vote in the Senate. The group accused Biggs, who was Senate president at the time, of preventing the bill from moving forward.
Stephanie Miller, a Tucson social worker and school board member, said Biggs should have taken action.
“That is why what Andy Biggs did in Colorado City is so utterly reprehensible to me,” Miller said. “Andy Biggs knew what was happening to those children.”
Clint Smith, an attorney and independent voter, said the issue should be considered by voters ahead of the governor’s race.
“I do believe that he is not in favor of a pure democracy where we let things come to a vote,” Smith said. “I think this is an important issue for Arizona voters before we go into this Arizona governor’s race any further.”
The Biggs campaign responded by criticizing Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.), who is running for reelection, and pointing to legislation she has vetoed.
“Katie Hobbs has a disturbing record of protecting predators and pornographers through misguided vetoes,” the campaign said in a statement. “Hobbs is being held accountable for vetoes on bipartisan bills, passed by both chambers of the State Legislature, throughout her tenure that would have kept women and children safer in Arizona.”
Biggs and Gov. Hobbs are expected to face each other in the November general election. Hobbs has said she does not plan to debate Biggs.
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