Trump Endorses Arizona GOP Chair Swoboda for Competitive Congressional Seat

Gina Swoboda, the current chairwoman of the Arizona Republican Party, announced this week that she's running for Congress in Arizona's 1st Congressional District, and President Donald Trump has endorsed her candidacy. 

This endorsement carries significant weight in Arizona Republican primaries. The endorsement comes as the district, which covers Scottsdale and northeast Phoenix, becomes one of the most competitive battlegrounds in the country following longtime Representative David Schweikert's decision to step down and run for governor. 

"Today I am proud to announce my candidacy for the Republican nomination in Arizona's 1st Congressional District," Swoboda said in a statement.

”Over the last month, I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of encouragement I have received from supporters across this district to run for this seat and keep it in Republican hands,” she continued. 

Swoboda emphasized that her campaign would focus on what she calls "commonsense conservative principles,” specifically economic growth, border security, and protecting taxpayers.

Her History

As state party chair, she led the Arizona GOP to victory in 2024, the first time Republicans won the state in a decade. President Donald Trump recruited her for the chairwoman position, and now he's backing her congressional bid.

"Gina Swoboda has my complete and total endorsement for Arizona's 1st Congressional District! Gina will be a tremendous champion for Arizona in Congress. She will never let you down," Trump stated. 

She currently chairs the Republican National Committee's Election Integrity Committee and has advised lawmakers nationwide on election policy. A longtime Scottsdale resident, she graduated from Arizona State University and raised her children in the district with her husband, Rob.

Road Ahead

The 1st District is shaping up to be a major battlefield as both parties fight for control of the U.S. House. Several Republicans are considering the race, including state Representatives Joseph Chaplik and Matt Gress, and former state Senator Michelle Ugenti-Rita.

Democrats already have multiple candidates, including Dr. Amish Shah, who lost to Schweikert in 2024's general election.

With next year's election approaching, this early endorsement has already shaped the Republican primary race in Arizona's critical 1st Congressional District.