President Donald Trump has actively engaged in the upcoming Arizona secretary of state election. He offered his full endorsement to Republican Alexander Kolodin. This support has enhanced Kolodin’s chances in the race. Trump shared his endorsement on Truth Social, praising Kolodin who recently secured the Republican nomination over former state GOP chair Gina Swoboda. As the general election approaches, Kolodin will face the incumbent, Democrat Adrian Fontes.
Kolodin is part of the Legislature’s right-wing Freedom Caucus and has raised questions about past election results. He has also supported Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of election fraud. Trump’s endorsement highlights the importance of this race, which will decide who oversees election processes in a significant swing state. Arizona is expected to be crucial in the 2028 elections. Trump’s endorsement also serves as a test to see if his influence extends beyond his core supporters amid declining poll numbers.
“Congratulations to Alexander Kolodin for his great win in Arizona’s race for Secretary of State,” Trump stated. “He is tough, smart, and a proven winner. He was with me in my big Presidential Win. We’ll do a fantastic Trump Rally to make sure he WINS.”
As of Sunday, Kolodin’s chances of winning improved slightly following Trump’s endorsement. The Kalshi prediction market showed Kolodin’s chances rose to 18.1 percent from 12.1 percent since Saturday. Meanwhile, Fontes remained ahead with an 81 percent likelihood of winning. Kolodin had a peak winning probability of 31 percent on December 28, 2025, according to Kalshi. Prediction markets reflect investor sentiment and differ from traditional public opinion polls.
After his nomination victory, Kolodin expressed his vision for the campaign on X, stating, “Arizona voters spoke up decisively tonight for lawful, transparent, honest, and fair elections.” He emphasized the emphasis on protecting every vote and aimed to restore lawfulness and stability to Arizona’s electoral processes.
The individual winning this position will serve as the chief election officer during the 2028 presidential campaign. The role entails supervising election administration, certifying voting equipment, and overseeing election results and candidate filings.
Kolodin has support from the conservative group Turning Point USA and various Arizona GOP members of Congress. He led litigation efforts to contest the results of the 2020 and 2022 elections, actions criticized by the judiciary and the state bar association. The Arizona State Bar sanctioned Kolodin in 2023 due to his participation in post-election lawsuits challenging the 2020 results.
Kolodin represented Trump’s campaign in the so-called “Kraken” lawsuit in Arizona. The lawsuit accused former Secretary of State Katie Hobbs and Governor Doug Ducey of engaging in supposed election fraud to advantage President Joe Biden. It aimed to nullify all the state’s mail-in ballots and prevent Arizona’s electors from voting for Biden. U.S. District Court Judge Diane Humetewa dismissed the lawsuit, noting it would disenfranchise numerous Arizonans based on unsubstantiated claims.
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