Phoenix, AZ – On Saturday, January 24, 2026, the State Committeemen of the Arizona Republican Party gathered in Prescott and elected Sergio Arellano as the Party’s new Chairman.
In a final vote of 761–621, Arellano earned support from Republicans across the state in his bid to succeed Gina Swoboda, who stepped down as she pursues a run for Congress. Arellano becomes the first Latino Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party.
Chairman Arellano released the following statement:
“I want to begin by thanking my fellow candidates for Chairman. Each of them pledged their time, energy, and personal resources in service to this Party and this country. Their willingness to step forward speaks to their dedication and love of America.
I also want to thank the State Committeemen — not only for their vote, but for the work they do every single day to advance the Republican Party of Arizona and the cause of freedom. They are true patriots who understand that conservative values must be defended and advanced to preserve this great nation. Our cause is good, right, and blessed.
Our Party stands at a crossroads. We are facing Democrats who seek to control our children and our schools, weaken our borders, undermine law enforcement, and grow government at the expense of families and small businesses.
With so much at stake, the State Committeemen elected me with a clear mandate: to end internal division, reenergize our donors and volunteers, and win elections for the hardworking Arizonans who raise their families, attend church, pay their taxes, respect the law, and love this country.
I went to war for this nation, and as Chairman I will dedicate myself to bringing unity, strength, and prosperity to this Party. I will serve no faction, no clique, and no personal interest. The Arizona Republican Party will remain neutral in primaries and aggressive in general elections.
I will never forget that this Party belongs to the grassroots — not insiders, not consultants, and not any single organization. God bless the Republican Party, the people of Arizona, and the United States of America.”
Chairman Arellano also congratulated the newly elected officers of the Arizona Republican Party:
- First Vice Chair Shiry Sapir
- Second Vice Chair Kevin Maldonado
- Third Vice Chair Nickie Kelly
- Secretary Sherra Kissee
- Sergeant-at-Arms Carrie Hughes
- Assistant Secretary Shirley Dye
- Assistant Treasurer Young Mayberry
- Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Frank Antenori
- CD7 Member-at-Large Connie Uribe
