TL/DR –
Nonprofit watchdog group American Oversight alleges that Gina Swoboda, the new chair of the Republican Party of Arizona, is overpaid for her role advising lawmakers on election policy. Swoboda, a former election coordinator for Donald Trump, receives a Senate salary of $15,000 a month, which American Oversight argues should be weighed against her work that allegedly fuels election conspiracy theories. Swoboda has defended her salary, stating that she brings a wealth of election experience and knowledge to her position as a senior policy adviser.
Non-profit Watchdog Group Criticizes Salary of New Arizona GOP Chair
Non-profit watchdog group, American Oversight, has claimed that the Arizona Senate is overpaying Gina Swoboda, the new chair of the Republican Party of Arizona, for her role advising lawmakers on election policy. Swoboda’s current Senate salary of $15,000 per month is allegedly excessive given her engagement in activities that promote election conspiracy theories.
Swoboda, a former election coordinator for Donald Trump and adviser to Kari Lake’s unsuccessful 2022 gubernatorial campaign, unexpectedly rose to state party chair last month. Her rise to power was triggered by an endorsement from Trump, following Lake’s criticism of Republican party leader Jeff DeWit. American Oversight has criticized Swoboda’s work with the Phoenix-based Voter Reference Foundation, stating it fuels voter-fraud activists.
Despite these criticisms, State Senate President Warren Petersen has defended the decision to hire Swoboda and her salary, citing her extensive experience and knowledge in election policy. Swoboda’s contract states she’ll receive the $15,000 per month from January through April, without benefits received by full-time employees.
Concerns Over Swoboda’s Work History
Swoboda’s work outside of her Senate role has raised concerns, particularly her role as the chief elections policy officer for the Voter Reference Foundation’s parent company, Restoration of America. This group, founded by Republican candidate Doug Truax, is linked to a PAC funded mainly by billionaire Richard Uihlein, a major contributor to Trump. American Oversight has criticized the Voter Reference Foundation’s website, VoteRef.com, for its potential to be used for intimidating voters and causing privacy concerns.
Despite these concerns, Swoboda defended the Voter Reference Foundation, stating it allows the public to participate in the election process by publishing voter registration data. She cited the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 as justification for making election records public.
Other Arizona Legislature Staffers Earn Similar Salaries
Despite the controversy, Swoboda’s Senate salary is comparable to other high-ranking officials within the Arizona Legislature. For instance, Senate chief of staff Joshua Kredit earns $210,000 per year, and Paulino Valerio, the chief of staff for Senate Democrats, earns $179,280. Swoboda stated she’s grateful for her position and believes she’s compensated fairly, especially as she doesn’t receive benefits, saving taxpayers money.
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