PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona Republicans have lost every statewide election and two congressional seats so far in this week’s midterm elections. The party also lost control of the state Legislature for the first time in more than half a century.
Former state party chairwoman Gina Swoboda, who led the Arizona Republican Party until earlier this year, spoke with Family political editor Dennis Welch of Arizona about what went wrong and how the party can move forward.
Swoboda on the candidates
Swoboda said the party must stop nominating extremist candidates and election deniers to statewide positions, such as governor or secretary of state.
Arizona voters have repeatedly rejected candidates who questioned the election results, with the exception of President Donald Trump, who won Arizona in 2024.
Swoboda on decisive action
Swoboda also said Turning Point Action, the political arm of Turning Point USA, should stay out of elections, particularly Republican primaries.
“I think Turning Point Action killed the party. Turning Point Action is why we are where we are as a state party,” Swoboda said.
“Turning Point Action is a political organization that has taken its mission to Republican primary incumbents who they don’t like, who don’t fit their definition of what a Republican should be. You know who gets to define what a Republican should be? The voters,” Swoboda added.
Turning Point results this year
Turning Point presented a statewide slate of candidates this year. The candidates won their Republican primaries but lost in this week’s general election.
Earlier this year, voters also rejected Turning Point candidates in an SRP board election.
Arizona’s Family’s full interview with Swoboda will air Sunday on “Politics Unplugged.”
See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it.
Do you have a photo or video of a news report? Send it’s ours here with a brief description.
Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
Gn usa
