AmericaFest (AMFEST) 2024, hosted by Turning Point USA, concluded on December 22 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The four-day event featured a who’s who of prominent conservative figures and concluded with a keynote speech by President-elect Donald J. Trump.

Organizers reported that approximately 20,000 attendees filled the convention center, with additional participants viewing Trump’s speech from the lobby.

President-elect Trump’s appearance marked his first rally-style speech since securing the presidency in November. During his address, he expressed gratitude to the state of Arizona for its support, stating, “You were fantastic. And I just want to thank you for that big win.”

In a bold move that’s stirring up the state political landscape, President Trump has officially thrown his support behind AZGOP Chair Gina Swooba for re-election! This endorsement sets the stage for a clash as Freedom Caucus leader Cory McGarr prepares to challenge Swooba in the upcoming election on January 25. The Globe provided a detailed analysis of their matchup, making it an essential read if you missed it.

Congratulations from many legislators, including State Senator Wendy Rogers, US Congressman Juan Ciscomani, State Representative Travis Grantham, and State Senator Janae Shamp, swiftly followed this announcement.

However, not all praise was universal. Wife to outgoing Yuma GOP Chairman Nicolle Wilkenson said, “The elected committeemen will not be fooled. Cory McGarr for AZGOP chair!!!” She further elaborated on her discontent:

The Globe spoke with First Vice Chair Gina Maloney, elected last January to serve a two-year term as first vice president. Maloney said she chose to stay quiet about her issue at the AZGOP because she did not want to interfere with the election. She explained, “You don’t shoot down the pilot of your own plane.” Maloney highlighted a post directed at Swoboda in which she stated, “Our party members deserve transparency and collaboration, not a dictatorship.”

Maloney revealed that she was denied access to the AZGOP building almost immediately after her January election.

She stated that despite already having a desk at the office—earned through her recognition as Volunteer of the Year the previous year—she was barred from entering the building, even to collect her belongings. “I had to FaceTime the staff,” Maloney explained, adding that her items were “brought down in a wheelbarrow.”

Expressing frustration, Maloney said, “I am not able to perform my duties.” She further noted that she had no idea what had caused the tension with AZGOP Chair Gina Swoboda. “I was friends with both Gina and Jeff Dewitt,” Dewitt was the outgoing chair who was forced to resign.

Maloney also highlighted a lack of communication within the party, stating that there have been no meetings with the Board or Executive Committee since April. “Board meetings used to occur every Friday and at least every thirty days with EXComm,” she said. “Now, there is zero communication or correspondence coming from Swoboda.”

Maloney was hesitant to speak about the situation but acknowledged that with Swoboda securing the Trump endorsement, she will be evaluating her leadership position pending the outcome of the January election.

The Globe contacted Gina Swoboda but did not receive a comment regarding Maloney. Gina’s message to the party after the Trump endorsement was posted to X:

While Trump endorsing Swoboda may have been foreseeable, the Karrin Taylor Robson endorsement stunned many. At Amerifest, one attendee said, “I almost fell out of my seat,” when during his speech, President-elect Donald Trump endorsed Karrin Taylor Robson for the 2026 Arizona gubernatorial race, stating, “You’re going to have my support.” Robson, who narrowly lost the 2022 Republican primary to Trump-backed Kari Lake, expressed her gratitude on social media, saying, “I am beyond honored to have his support.” This endorsement set off a firestorm in the arena and later on social media.

Jake Hoffman said President-elect Trump should “fire whichever consultant or staffer told him to endorse Robson. In another post, he said, “Don’t forget Karrin also hosted fundraisers for MAGA haters Mike Pence and Asa Hutchinson.”

Tyler Bowyer, Former National Republican Committeeman and Executive at Turning Point, voiced his displeasure at “AZGOP leadership” in a post on X. In another post, Bowyer said, “I am taking the next week or so before fighting the battles (I think we all know what battles) to make sure AZ isn’t handed over to the people who hate us.”

Nico Delgado, a young rising conservative activist, sparked controversy on X, formerly Twitter, with a post that read, “Throwback to when Ruben Gallego explained to me how Karrin Taylor Robson was one of his largest donors.” Laura Loomer and others echoed this sentiment nationally.

Delgado, who recently formed NICO PAC, made waves during the 2024 election by installing sharp-edged campaign signs across town—messaging many considered harsh but undeniably effective.

Speaking with the Globe, Delgado addressed the potential dynamics of Arizona’s upcoming gubernatorial race. “We’ll have to wait and see who ends up running against her,” he said, referring to Robson.

Delgado noted that if Robson maintains former President Donald Trump’s endorsement, it could drastically reshape the field. “If she keeps Trump’s endorsement, then the field may be cleared from any serious candidates, and she will just walk through the primary.”

However, Delgado emphasized the importance of unity among conservative voters. “If we can all unite behind one America First candidate, I will work my butt off to ensure that candidate wins,” he stated.

Many Republican hardliners voiced dissatisfaction with Robson’s nomination, although not everyone shared that view. Representative Teresa Martinez said, “Congratulations @KTaylorRobson on this endorsement!!!!”

Corporation Commissioner Nick Myers said, “Great to see Trump backing Karrin. It will be great to share the campaign trail!”

The Globe will follow this story closely.