By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona’s Republican Party Chair accomplished her stated desire to help elect President Donald J. Trump to the White House.
Gina Swoboda didn’t have a lot of time for on-the-job training when she unexpectedly took the helm of the Republican Party of Arizona at the beginning of this year. However, despite the issues of a short runway to unite the party, raise money, and get out the vote for Republican candidates and values, Swoboda and her team managed to meet the daunting challenge before them.
When Swoboda was elected by a vast majority of Arizona Republican activists in January, she praised President Trump for his support and vowed her dedication to his election efforts. She said, “Arizona is the key to the presidency. I was proud to have the support of President Trump in this victory to lead the AZGOP into the most important election of our lifetime. Now it’s time to turn out every last vote for the 47th President DONALD J TRUMP!”
That mission was met in Arizona with President-Elect Trump capturing the state’s eleven electoral votes. While ballots are still being counted across most counties in Arizona, Trump will likely win by a larger number than he did when he won the state in 2016.
Barring a reversal in any of the races, all three of the Arizona Corporation Commissioner spots will be filled by Republicans, giving the party unanimous control of the important state panel.
Both the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives appear to be in Republican control after Tuesday’s elections, returning the state to a divided government for the next two years, and preventing Democrats from unrestrained power to dismantle Arizona’s broad school choice and Second Amendment freedoms – as well as other things that may be on their to-do list.
Additionally, Republicans are tracking toward significant victories in most of the posts for Maricopa County Offices, including County Attorney, Sheriff, School Superintendent, Recorder, and majority control of the Board of Supervisors.
On Election Night, Swoboda issued a statement of victory after seeing a number of positive results around her state, writing, “This victory is a testament to the grit and determination of Arizonans who believe in the American Dream. We focused on what matters – keeping families safe, bringing down the cost of living, securing our border, and reviving American greatness. We have sent a clear message to Washington: Arizona is red, and when we unite, WE WIN!”
One night later, after her state was called for Trump, Swoboda posted, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to help elect 45/47. Thank you for believing in me Donald Trump. Thank you AZGOP for allowing me to make history with our beautiful State 48.”
If Swoboda returns as the party’s chair next year, she again faces a tall challenge with most of Arizona’s statewide offices up for grabs. Republicans will be seeking to take back the Governor’s, Attorney General’s, and Secretary of State’s Offices, maintain control of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s and Treasurer’s Offices, and keep the state legislature.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
