At yesterday’s Arizona Republican Party Statutory Meeting (January 25, 2025), incumbent Chair Gina Swoboda was re-elected as AZGOP Chair. She defeated former State Representative Cory McGarr in a 978 to 754 win (93% voter attendance), a relatively narrow margin that indicates the party’s competitive atmosphere. Despite the spirited contest, the meeting remained calm compared to past gatherings. Some on social media view this as a decisive victory. A political insider (requesting anonymity) told the Arizona Globe, “Gina can and will pull the party back together again and focus on winning in 2026.”

Swoboda, who became the party Chair following Jeff DeWit’s resignation in 2024, is credited with strengthening the party’s position in Arizona. Under her leadership, the AZGOP increased its majority in both the state House and Senate and achieved a significant increase in President Donald Trump’s margin of support among state voters. She also spearheaded efforts to raise $20 million for the party, with 71% of the funds dedicated to direct voter engagement. Just ahead of this year’s vote for Chair, Swoboda presented the “Chairman’s Report,” where she highlighted and detailed her prior year’s successes, strategically referring to the wins as “our victories.”

Swoboda faced considerable backlash on social media platforms, where criticisms of her leadership gained traction with various user groups. That backlash heightened tensions between her and members of Arizona’s largest conservative organization, Turning Point USA, which traditionally aligns with her platform. Despite the criticisms, Swoboda managed to secure endorsements from prominent figures, including President Donald Trump and a number of influential federal and state lawmakers who rallied behind her campaign.

In contrast, her opponent, McGarr, received significant support from key conservative personalities and politicians. Notable endorsements from Kari Lake, Senator and National Committee Member Jake Hoffman, and former House member and National Committee Member Liz Harris added weight to McGarr’s campaign.

The event’s main highlight, in addition to Swoboda’s re-election, was the moment U.S. House Representative Andy Biggs addressed the assembly. The members passed a motion allowing Biggs alone to speak as he was the only officially declared gubernatorial candidate present. Although Karrin Taylor Robson’s digital billboard trucks were visible, she has yet to officially enter the race. The Globe spoke with several state committee members who stated that they don’t believe Robson has Trump’s full endorsement. One remarked, “Trump said ‘Karrin has my support,'” but that does not equate to an endorsement. A similar situation occurred during the CD8 primary race between Blake Masters and the ultimate winner, Abe Hamadeh.

The crowd expressed massive support for Biggs, and he seized the occasion to officially announce that he was running for Governor. When asked by the Globe whom he would choose as his lieutenant governor, he replied, “This is the first time Arizona will have a lieutenant governor. I have to carefully consider the job duties and responsibilities of the position.” He indicated that he would thoughtfully contemplate his options.

Biggs paused to take a picture with the Arizona Teenage Republicans present at the meeting.

National Committeeman Hoffman stood to deliver his report, seizing the opportunity to inquire about the crowd’s opinion on Karrin Taylor Robson for governor. The crowd responded with an eruption of boos. “That’s what we, the people, think about bought-and-paid-for globalists,” he stated. You can watch that moment here.

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Also elected today were Nickie Kelley as secretary and Ron Gould as treasurer.