Former AZ GOP Chair Draws Criticism for Alleged Dual Campaign for Congress, AZ SecState

A brewing intra-party dispute within Arizona’s Republican ranks has intensified this week, as former Arizona GOP Chair Gina Swoboda faces criticism from fellow conservatives over her shifting political ambitions and alleged lack of transparency about her campaigns — fueled in part by social media posts from local activists and party leaders.

Swoboda, who served as chairwoman of the Arizona Republican Party from January 2024 until January 2026, stepped down after Sergio Arellano was elected the new chair earlier this year, as previously reported by California Globe.

Her resignation came amid mounting speculation that she would leave party leadership to pursue elected office after she publicly announced a bid for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District in late 2025, running with the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. 

But the plot shifted quickly in early 2026.

In February, Swoboda filed a statement of interest to run for Arizona Secretary of State in the upcoming 2026 election, as reported by AZ Family, a move that sent shockwaves through conservative circles and drew rebuke from activists who contend her messaging about both races has been unclear. 

Swoboda told reporters that she had been “exploring my options,” per KJZZ, and described the Secretary of State’s position as a long-standing passion, but critics say the timing and overlapping activity, including past fundraising and campaign signals connected to a congressional run, suggest a lack of transparency that risks confusing voters and donors. 

On the social platform X, voices from across the state’s conservative ecosystem, including former GOP candidates and grassroots activists, have aired sharp criticism. 

Independent Journalist Laura Loomer shared video footage showing an undercover journalist questioning a man allegedly gathering primary nomination signatures for Swoboda’s previously announced congressional campaign, as well as her campaign for Secretary of State.

Loomer wrote, “footage exclusively obtained by @LoomerUnleashed shows our undercover journalist questioning one of Gina Swoboda’s signature gatherers in Arizona.” 

“Raising more suspicion, he also claimed that Gina is currently running for 2 positions in Arizona at the same time. He said on video that he is collecting signatures for her to qualify to run for US Congress in Arizona in AZ-1 in addition to collecting signatures for her to qualify to be on the ballot as a candidate for Secretary of State of Arizona.” 

Loomer also wrote that the circulator allegedly stated, “Illegal aliens should be allowed to vote if they pay taxes.”

🚨EXCLUSIVE VIDEO🚨

I told you months ago that former Arizona GOP Chairwoman Gina Swoboda @GinaSwoboda is NOT America First.

Hidden camera footage exclusively obtained by @LoomerUnleashed shows our undercover journalist questioning one of Gina Swoboda’s signature gatherers in… https://t.co/RlcYWDcfKa pic.twitter.com/yMuFg4I8gB

— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) February 26, 2026

Swoboda did not respond to Loomer’s allegations as of publication.

State Representative and conservative leader Jake Hoffman took particular aim at Swoboda on X and referred to her as a “Democrat.” He later reported that he was blocked by Swoboda on the platform and posted a list of grievances, writing: “Funny. Gina Swoboda has blocked me. This is how weak she is. Gina’s track record: – Attacked school choice – Attacked ICE & deportations – Praised Dem Adrian Fontes – Sided with Pima’s Socialist Recorder – Hires Democrats who want illegals to vote.”

Funny. Gina Swoboda has blocked me.

This is how weak she is.

Gina's track record:

– Attacked school choice
– Attacked ICE & deportations
– Praised Dem Adrian Fontes
– Sided with Pima's Socialist Recorder
– Hires Democrats who want illegals to vote

GINA SWOBODA IS A DEMOCRAT. https://t.co/7yHDEUWDZy pic.twitter.com/bRIP5yg9pA

— Jake Hoffman (@JakeHoffmanAZ) February 27, 2026

Other local accounts echoed that sentiment, with some grassroots figures warning that the perception of a dual-track campaign could dampen donor enthusiasm and widen fissures already present within Arizona Republicans.

Observers say the controversy reflects broader tensions within the party. Swoboda’s tenure as state chair was marked by both high-profile organizational efforts and clashes with more hard-line factions — a dynamic reflected in Turning Point Action’s repeated attempts to challenge her leadership over strategy and spending. 

Her pivot to Secretary of State also sets up a contested Republican primary against state Representative Alex Kolodin, a member of the Freedom Caucus who has positioned himself as both an electoral watchdog and a contrast to Swoboda’s leadership record. 

Arizona law doesn’t bar supporters from gathering nomination signatures for more than one office at the same time, but Arizona Revised Statutes § 38-296.01 explicitly prohibits a candidate from qualifying for and appearing on the ballot for two offices in the same election that cannot be held simultaneously.

Swoboda has not publicly announced that she intends to remain in both races, and no formal dual filing has been made. The criticism instead centers on whether petition circulation and prior fundraising activity signal an unresolved campaign posture.

Whether the dispute over Swoboda’s political direction will materially impact her campaign’s prospects is an open question — but it has already become a flashpoint for broader debates over messaging discipline, candidate transparency, and leadership priorities as Arizona’s 2026 primary season heats up.