After weeks of speculation, Arizona Republican Party Chair Gina Swoboda announced she is entering the race in Arizona’s Congressional District 1 with President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
After Congressman David Schweikert announced he is foregoing reelection to run for governor, there was widespread speculation that a half-dozen or more state lawmakers, minor celebrities and other Republicans could jump into the GOP primary to replace him.
Swoboda, who has chaired the state Republican Party since January 2024, is the first well-known Republican to officially enter the race.
“I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of President Trump as we embark on a campaign that will be centered around the common-sense conservative principles of economic growth and prosperity, strong and secure borders, and protecting taxpayers,” Swoboda said in a statement posted to social media.
She also posted a quote from President Trump endorsing her campaign.
“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,” according to the post.
Trump previously endorsed Swoboda when she ran for chair of the Arizona Republican Party. Spokespeople for the White House and Trump presidential campaign did not respond to requests to confirm the endorsement.
In addition to chairing the state party, Swoboda is an election policy advisor at the Arizona Legislature.
The CD1 race will likely draw national attention during the 2026 cycle as Republicans try to maintain their narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
CD1 is one of just two competitive congressional districts in Arizona and Schweikert has held office since 2011, narrowly defeating Democratic opponents in recent elections. It is also one of just 18 districts across the entire country rated as toss ups by the Cook Political Report.
Swoboda did not respond to a request to comment on if or when she plans to step down as chair of the state party. However, she told Axios Phoenix she plans to stay in the position until January and has resigned from her adviser position at the Arizona House of Representatives.
