By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Republican candidate for governor Andy Biggs said Tuesday that he does not support the war in Iran, separating himself from President Trump’s position as Arizonans deal with higher gas prices.
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Biggs, who is endorsed by Trump, spent Tuesday campaigning on lowering the cost of living in Arizona. But he faced questions about the war in Iran and whether his actions in Congress contributed to the price increases Arizonans are seeing now.
“We will make Arizona a place everyone can afford and wants to live. We will take the first step towards eliminating our state income tax. We will codify the repeal of Katie Hobbs’ housing moratorium that cut off the supply of new single-family homes in our fastest-growing areas,” Biggs said.
Biggs said lowering taxes, cutting regulations and expanding energy production would help Arizonans keep more money in their pockets.
Biggs says he does not support the war
Arizona’s Family political editor Dennis Welch asked Biggs directly about his position on the war and the administration’s tariff policies.
“Do you support the war? Do you support the administration’s tariff policies?” Welch asked.
“I don’t support the war, per se,” Biggs said.
The comment marks a break from Trump, even though Biggs voted against multiple measures in Congress that would have limited the president’s war powers in Iran. Those votes are drawing renewed attention as the conflict continues to affect oil prices and Arizonans feel the impact at the gas pump.
“I think that’s unfortunate that that’s happening. But it’s an unfortunate reality,” Biggs said.
Biggs is not alone among Republicans in facing questions about the war. Polling shows GOP support for Trump’s handling of Iran has declined since the conflict began.
A University of Massachusetts poll found 60% of Republicans approved of Trump’s handling of Iran in August, down from 73% in March.
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A more recent Reuters poll found Republican approval of Trump’s overall job performance had fallen to 73%, while approval of his handling of the cost of living stood at 44%.
Biggs said he has made his position known to the administration but that the matter is largely out of his hands.
“I think the administration knows where I am. But they’re fighting it out. And you and I both know, even as a member of Congress or as a governor, that ends up being outside my reach to deal with,” Biggs said.
Affordability remains central message
Despite the break with Trump on Iran, Biggs kept his focus Tuesday on affordability, repeating his call to make Arizona a more affordable place to live. But his positions on Iran, tariffs and the economy are now part of the conversation as he campaigns for governor.
Biggs is working to keep the campaign focused on affordability, while Democrats are using his voting record in Congress to question how he would handle issues that directly affect Arizonans’ costs.
With early voting starting in 15 days, both sides are making their case to voters on the economy and now on Iran.
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