Sergio Arellano elected as AZ GOP chair, fills Gina Swoboda’s vacated spot

PHOENIX — Sergio Arellano was elected Saturday as the next chair of the Republican Party of Arizona.

The U.S. Army veteran assumed the position previously held by Gina Swoboda after defeating Pam Kirby, a former Scottsdale school board member, by 140 votes (761-621).

The political party announced Arellano as the successor as well as its new board following a mandatory meeting in Prescott Valley.

“We led this race with God in front, always first,” Arellano said in his acceptance speech. “I hope to achieve victory alongside with you (this November) because I am one of you. (I am) one from the grassroots that is now ready to come in, knock some doors, raise some money and kick some butt for all of us.”

Arellano was runner-up to Kelli Ward in 2021 for the chair position.

Swoboda, who was present for the change of the guard, announced last October she was campaigning for the state’s 1st Congressional District (CD1). The seat was vacated by Republican U.S. Rep. David Schweikert after he entered the 2026 gubernatorial race last September.

As of Jan. 11, a total of 24 (11 Republicans, 13 Democrats) expressed interest in filling the CD1 seat, including former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely.

Arizona gubernatorial candidates Karrin Taylor Robson and Schweikert both offered their congratulations to Arellano on his election.

Who is Sergio Arellano?

Arellano is a first-generation American and a Tucson native.

He enrolled in the U.S. Army at 17 and served more than 10 years as an infantryman and human resources specialist.

After his time in the armed forces, Arellano worked with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and was the state director for the Army Wounded Warrior Program.

His political experience has included being a Spanish-language and international spokesperson during the 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns for Donald Trump and the first vice chair for the Pima County Republican Party.

Related

Arizona Republican Party Chair Gina Swoboda to step down in JanuaryWho is running for Congress in Arizona in 2026? Here's the list of everyone interestedArizona GOP chair runner-up calls for audit of party electionsWater, housing costs top Arizona voters’ focus, statewide survey findsPolitical consultant calls Hobbs-Giles ticket ‘good strategy decision’ aimed at McCain RepublicansKatie Hobbs praises John Giles running mate pick; Andy Biggs team calls him Democrat ally