The Arizona Republican Party has reaffirmed its confidence in Gina Swoboda, reelecting her as the chairwoman following significant GOP victories in the 2024 elections. Swoboda’s leadership has been recognized for its role in these successes, cementing her position within the party.
Every two years, members of Arizona’s political parties convene to elect new leadership. The Republican Party initially chose Jeff DeWit as chair in 2023. However, Swoboda assumed the role in January 2024 after DeWit’s resignation, triggered by a leaked recording of him persuading Kari Lake to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race. Swoboda secured a full two-year term by defeating Corey McGarr with a vote count of 978 to 758.
Swoboda’s Tenure
Swoboda has a background in the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office under both Republican Michele Reagan and Democrat Katie Hobbs. She also plays a significant role in shaping election policy for Senate Republicans. Under her guidance, the GOP had a successful 2024 election, enhancing their legislative majorities and winning two key Congressional seats. Former President Donald Trump also reclaimed Arizona, winning by over 5%.
Despite these achievements, a faction within the party aimed to replace Swoboda with McGarr, a former Tucson lawmaker. McGarr criticized Swoboda for insufficient investment in potential legislative wins and local school board races, which are nonpartisan in Arizona.
“Your chair has one job — that’s to win,” Swoboda stated, simplifying her mission to the party members.
The Internal Battle
Swoboda showcased the state party’s increased financial efforts in voter outreach during 2024, a significant factor in expanding Republican control in the Legislature. The party’s budget allocation of 71% towards voter contact was noted by Treasurer Elijah Norton.
Swoboda received an endorsement from Donald Trump prior to the election, demonstrated by his speech in Phoenix in December. Nonetheless, a vocal opposition persisted, led by figures such as Jake Hoffman, who questioned her leadership choices. Hoffman criticized the use of consultant Chris Baker for legislative campaigns, a decision some saw as a return to establishment politics.
“I’m running for chair because the grassroots has worked 20 years to get rid of the establishment’s grip on our party,” McGarr expressed, voicing concerns over the party’s direction under Swoboda.
Looking Toward 2026
Swoboda emphasized the party’s resurgence, highlighted by the return of key donors like Jim Click, who had distanced himself from the GOP in recent years. Click’s renewed support, amounting to $25,000 since December 2023, contributed to the party raising approximately $20 million over the past year.
The party’s recent electoral successes mark a turnaround after losses in 2020 and 2022, with hopes pinned on Swoboda to replicate these results in 2026. Notable elections include those of Governor Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes, and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes.
“It’s such an important opportunity to select a leader who will not only be a good fundraiser but also bring good candidates to each one of the selected counties, state federal offices,” said Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee, highlighting the crucial role of party leadership.
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