In a political whirlwind, Gina Swoboda emerged as the new chairwoman of the Arizona Republican Party, inheriting the reins from the scandal-ridden Jeff DeWit. The January 27 election, held at the bustling Dream City Church in north Phoenix, witnessed Swoboda’s triumph with a resounding 67 percent of the votes, as she vowed to “turn out every last vote” in support of President Trump for the crucial 2024 race.
Undeterred by recent controversies, the Arizona GOP proudly introduced Swoboda in a January 28 social media post, showcasing her alongside the dynamic new AZGOP Board. The party’s mission, as boldly declared, is to secure additional seats in the state legislature, reclaim Senate and Congressional seats, take control of school boards, and ultimately wrest back the White House. The message is clear: victory is the only option, and they are prepared for the fight.
Previously, the annual GOP meeting at Dream City Church was slated for lower-level position elections. However, DeWit’s abrupt resignation due to bribery allegations triggered an urgent need for a successor, leading to a rush of candidates vying for the position. Swoboda faced competition from Arizona Corporation Commissioner Jim O’Connor and Mesa resident Verl Farnsworth, who once ran for the presidency in 2012.
Republican state Sen. Wendy Rogers revealed that Swoboda secured 67 percent of the votes, a testament to her popularity and appeal among party members.
In a no-nonsense Jan. 28 post on platform X, Swoboda voiced unwavering support for President Trump, proclaiming, “Arizona is the key to the presidency. I was proud to have the support of President Trump in this victory to lead the AZGOP into the most important election of our lifetime. Now it’s time to turn out every last vote for the 47th President, DONALD J TRUMP!”
President Trump echoed the sentiment with a Truth Social post, offering his “complete and total endorsement” for Swoboda as the chairwoman of the Republican Party of Arizona. Trump praised her as an “outstanding person with an incredible passion for our Party.”
Kari Lake, a U.S. Senate candidate allegedly offered bribes by DeWit, celebrated Swoboda’s win as a “massive victory” in a Jan. 28 post on platform X. Describing Swoboda as a “National Leader in election law” and a “grassroots hero,” Lake expressed confidence in her ability to restore faith in Arizona’s elections and secure big wins in 2024.
Currently serving as a senior adviser on elections for the Arizona Senate, Swoboda also leads the Voter Reference Foundation, which ensures transparent, accurate, and fair elections nationwide.
The controversy that led to DeWit’s resignation unfolded when The Daily Mail published a recording from March 2023 featuring a conversation between DeWit and Lake. The recording revealed DeWit’s claim that “compelling people” aimed to keep Lake out of the Senate race, sparking bribery allegations. The conversation hinted at a broader agenda to defeat Trump, leaving Lake questioning the morality of such a strategy.
In the aftermath, Lake called for DeWit’s resignation, and he obliged on the same day, alleging that Lake’s team secretly recorded and leaked their conversation to the media. The scandal added a layer of complexity to the party’s internal affairs, with some audience members expressing disapproval during the election.
Despite the turmoil, Swoboda now faces the daunting task of leading the Arizona GOP through these challenging times. With a focus on the 2024 elections and a firm commitment to Republican ideals, Swoboda aims to restore confidence in Arizona’s political landscape. As the party navigates through the storm, only time will reveal the impact of Swoboda’s leadership on the future of the Arizona Republican Party. Buckle up, folks; it’s going to be a wild ride.
