Tim Miller Accuses Andy Biggs of Leading Jan. 6 Planning and Blocking FLDS Reforms
Source: The Bulwark · All The Bulwark reports
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Summary
In a YouTube segment from The Bulwark, Tim Miller profiles U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) as the Republican nominee for Arizona governor in 2026, arguing he is among the most extreme candidates due to his central role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Miller runs through a "rap sheet" including organizing the Jan. 6 rally with Ali Alexander, pushing alternate electors via texts to Mark Meadows, pressing Mike Pence and Arizona officials to reject results, and seeking a preemptive pardon. The piece also covers Biggs' 2013 Senate role blocking a bill to strip authority from the Colorado City marshal's office tied to the FLDS polygamist group, votes against Epstein files release, calls to defund the FBI/DOJ, opposition to gun control and ACA expansions, support for tariffs, and no-exceptions abortion ban from conception.
Sourcing draws from the Jan. 6 committee transcripts and testimony (Rusty Bowers, Cassidy Hutchinson), released Meadows texts, a deleted Ali Alexander video, Biggs' own 2020 interview and 2022 op-ed, USA Today interviews, and legislative records. No direct interview with Biggs; Miller uses selective clips and concludes Hobbs would defeat him if voters turn out.
Editorial Assessment
The segment accurately recounts many documented actions by Biggs around 2020, corroborated by primary sources like committee evidence and texts, but frames them as a deliberate "multi-pronged plan to steal the election" and "end our democracy" without noting Biggs' denials, his claim that Alexander exaggerated involvement, or that no criminal charges resulted from his conduct. The FLDS claim is supported by recent reporting showing Republican colleagues blamed Biggs for the bill dying, delaying accountability for abuses, though the "human shield for pedophile polygamists" phrasing is rhetorically loaded. Policy summaries on abortion (cosponsoring personhood-at-conception bills with no rape/incest exceptions), defunding federal agencies, tariffs (he disputes they cause inflation despite economist consensus), and Medicaid (supporting cuts) are directionally correct but presented without counterarguments or Biggs' stated rationales like reducing federal overreach. Viewers miss that Biggs won the 2026 GOP primary decisively with Trump endorsement and that Arizona voters passed a constitutional amendment protecting abortion access in 2024, complicating a total ban. Overall, it's partisan opposition research presented as journalism, strong on sourcing for key facts but skewed by selective emphasis and inflammatory language that could reinforce existing partisan views of MAGA Republicans.
Key Moments
Andy Biggs was one of the key organizers of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, scheming with Ali Alexander, Paul Gosar, and Mo Brooks for maximum pressure on Congress
Alexander's video (later deleted) and Jan. 6 committee testimony confirm he named Biggs in planning the rally; Biggs' office denied any meeting or collaboration, calling it exaggerated; committee evidence shows contacts but not direct riot organization.
Biggs begged Donald Trump for a preemptive pardon because he knew his behavior broke the law
Cassidy Hutchinson testified to the Jan. 6 committee that Biggs was among House Republicans who sought preemptive pardons; Biggs denied it, calling her mistaken.
In November 2020, Biggs texted Mark Meadows recommending the alternate elector scheme in contested states
Released Meadows texts published by CNN and detailed in Just Security timeline and Jan. 6 committee records confirm the messages, with Meadows responding positively.
As Arizona state senator in 2013, Biggs blocked a bipartisan bill to strip the Colorado City marshal's office of authority over FLDS abuses, acting as a human shield for pedophile polygamists
Washington Post reporting and former GOP lawmaker Michelle Ugenti-Rita confirm the bill passed House 52-7 but stalled in Senate under Biggs as president; he cited constitutional concerns; delayed accountability but no evidence of personal protection of abusers.
Biggs wants to ban abortion from the moment of conception with no exceptions for rape, incest, or life of the mother
Biggs has repeatedly cosponsored the Life at Conception Act, which grants personhood to a fertilized egg and contains no such exceptions, per congressional records.
Notable Concerns
- Heavy partisan framing as part of a 'crazy Republicans' series with loaded terms like 'election thief' and 'human shield for pedophiles'
- Omits Biggs' repeated denials of organizing Jan. 6 violence and his refusal to cooperate with the committee on constitutional grounds
- No discussion of outcomes: Biggs faced no charges, and Arizona's 2024 abortion rights amendment limits gubernatorial power on the issue
Sources Consulted
- Stop the Steal organizer Ali Alexander told Jan. 6 committee about contacts with Republican lawmakers
- Republican lawmakers asked the White House for pardons
- Comprehensive Timeline on False Electors Scheme
- Small-town fight may haunt Andy Biggs, GOP governor candidate in Arizona
- Rusty Bowers says GOP Rep. Andy Biggs pressed him on decertifying election
- Andy Biggs defends Trump's tariffs as Arizonans feel the pinch
- Doctors warn Andy Biggs' record on healthcare, abortion should alarm Arizona voters