Former AZGOP Chair Gina Swoboda Blasts Turning Point USA, Eyes Secretary of State Run

In a fiery appearance on 12 News’ “Sunday Square Off,” former Arizona Republican Party Chair Gina Swoboda didn’t hold back, taking direct aim at conservative powerhouse Turning Point USA (TPUSA) while signaling her potential entry into the crowded race for Arizona Secretary of State.

Swoboda, who served as AZGOP chair from 2023 to early 2025, accused TPUSA and allied groups like the Freedom Caucus of pushing candidates who are “too far into the right” to appeal to Arizona’s broader electorate. 

“They create contested primaries to field [candidates] that are in many instances too far into the right for voters of Arizona,” Swoboda said during the interview. “You have to be able to win a general election.”

'Kolodin can't win': Ex-AZGOP chair @GinaSwoboda takes on TPUSA as she explores run for Secy of State.
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Her comments come as she weighs not one, but two primary races, according to the show’s chyron: “SWOBODA WEIGHS TWO PRIMARY RACES.” While Swoboda has not formally announced, sources close to Arizona GOP circles suggest one could be a challenge for Secretary of State against incumbent Democrat Adrian Fontes, and the other potentially a bid for RNC committeewoman or a legislative seat. This dual consideration has sparked speculation about her strategy in a state still reeling from contentious 2022 and 2024 elections.

Swoboda’s critique escalated when she zeroed in on State Rep. Alexander Kolodin (R-LD3), a current candidate for Secretary of State.  “In my opinion, as we sit here today, Mr. Kolodin cannot win a general election against Mr. Fontes. Period. Full stop,” she declared, dismissing Kolodin’s chances outright.

The remarks drew immediate backlash on X, where the clip was shared by host Brahm Resnik. Conservative activists and Kolodin supporters piled on, with one user calling Swoboda a “Democrat” in disguise and another accusing her of “causing more damage to the GOP than anyone else in the state.” Angel Mom Mary Ann Mendoza, a Turning Point Action manager, labeled Swoboda “self-entitled” and “power hungry,” claiming TPUSA had stepped in to do the grassroots work Swoboda failed to accomplish as party chair.

During her time as AZGOP chair (2024-2026), she faced backlash for allegedly undermining Republican election integrity efforts, which some framed as aligning with Democratic positions. 

TPUSA, founded by Charlie Kirk, has been a dominant force in Arizona conservatism, mobilizing young voters and backing America First candidates. The group has faced internal party criticism before, but Swoboda’s public slam marks a notable rift, especially as the GOP grapples with unity ahead of the 2026 midterms. Kolodin, an election lawyer known for challenging Fontes in court over voter integrity issues, has positioned himself as a fighter against what he calls “far-left extremism” in election administration.

Tyler Bower, COO of Turning Point, told The California Globe: 

“Gina is angry because Freedom Caucus candidate Justin Heap won easily last election and she has set her sights on this race even though she told people close to her she endorses and supports Kolodin. She exhibited she was incapable of raising money in an extremely supported CD-1 race, she has no capability to help the GOP in any other race. Most concerning is her relationship with Democrats.”

Swodoba’s potential run could split the conservative vote in the primary, potentially benefiting Fontes, who has faced his own controversies, including recent outages in the E-Qual petition system. As Arizona’s political landscape heats up, Swoboda’s comments underscore the ongoing battle between moderate-establishment Republicans and Trump-aligned conservatives, like Kari Lake, who has endorsed Kolodin for Secretary of State.