Kolodin Announces Run for Arizona Secretary of State in 2026 Election, But Swoboda Denies Endorsing Him

State Representative Alexander Kolodin (R-3) announced his candidacy for Secretary of State in the 2026 Arizona elections, vowing to bring transparency to the Grand Canyon State's electoral system. He claimed that Arizona Republican Party Chair Gina Swoboda had endorsed him, a claim that Swoboda has denied.

Rep. Kolodin posted the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) Monday evening, saying, "When your Party Chair asks you to run. When the future of Arizona demands that you run. And when you’re the most qualified person for the job. You run. I’m Alex Kolodin, and I’m running for Secretary of State to restore transparency to our elections once and for all."

A brief video is included in the post, featuring audio of Swoboda praising Rep. Kolodin and endorsing him in the election.

However, Swoboda herself has said she did not explicitly endorse the State Congressman in comments to NBC 12 Arizona.

"What I have said is that if he is the Republican Party nominee, I will absolutely endorse him in my role as party chairman," said Swoboda, meaning she is not endorsing anyone in the upcoming primary.

After all, NBC 12 noted that Swoboda herself has supposedly eyed the position of Arizona Secretary of State, which is an "open secret."

Moreover, she claimed that Kolodin did not tell her he was planning to run.

The news comes fresh on the heels of State Senator Jake Hoffman (R-15) urging President Donald Trump to retract his endorsement of Karrin Taylor Robson (R) for Governor, claiming she had previously worked as a paid lobbyist for the Chicanos Por La Causa Action (CPLCA) activist group in the recent past.

"There is NO EXCUSE for a 'Republican' candidate for governor having lobbied for this radical, far-Left organization," Sen. Hoffman said, adding, "Arizona Republicans and Trump supporters demand far better than a Karrin as our nominee."

We still have until August 2026, but we've already had some popcorn-worthy events unfold.