Trump Endorses Alexander Kolodin in Arizona Secretary of State Race

Former President Donald Trump has entered the Arizona secretary of state race, offering his full endorsement to Republican candidate Alexander Kolodin. This support could significantly boost Kolodin’s prospects. Trump shared his approval on Truth Social after Kolodin secured the Republican nomination over former state GOP chair Gina Swoboda. Kolodin will face current Secretary of State, Democrat Adrian Fontes, in the general election in November.

Kolodin is linked to the Legislature’s right-wing Freedom Caucus and has questioned past election results, aligning with Trump’s false claims of election fraud. The endorsement elevates the race, which holds importance for overseeing voting and certification in a swing state that will play a key role again in 2028. Trump’s statement will test his influence on the Republican base, amid declining poll numbers.

On Truth Social, Trump congratulated Kolodin on his victory, describing him as “tough, smart, and a proven winner,” and mentioned plans for a Trump Rally to secure a win. Newsweek sought comments from both Kolodin and Fontes outside regular business hours.

As of Sunday morning, the endorsement saw Kolodin’s chances on the Kalshi prediction market rise to 18.1 percent, up by six percentage points from the previous day while Fontes led with 81 percent. Kolodin’s previous high was 31 percent on December 28, 2025. Prediction markets gauge investor sentiment and differ from scientific polls.

Kolodin expressed confidence in lawful and fair elections on X, saying his campaign would ensure protection for every vote and restore stability and common sense to the office. The Arizona Secretary of State is responsible for overseeing statewide election management, including verifying voting equipment, certifying election results, and filing candidate and ballot measures.

Kolodin receives support from conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA and some Arizona GOP Congressional members. He led multiple lawsuits to overturn 2020 and 2022 election results in Arizona. Judges and the state bar association criticized these actions, leading to sanctions by the Arizona State Bar in 2023 over challenges to the 2020 election results.

Kolodin represented Trump’s campaign in the “Kraken” lawsuit, alleging “massive election fraud” against then-Secretary of State Katie Hobbs and Governor Doug Ducey. The lawsuit aimed to disqualify all mail-in ballots and prevent Arizona electors from voting for Joe Biden. However, U.S. District Court Judge Diane Humetewa dismissed the case, stating it lacked relevant evidence and risked disenfranchising millions of voters.