Chairman of AZ GOP seeks second term despite Ward’s announcement to run

Kelli Ward announced Monday that she will take a shot at becoming the next chairperson to head the GOP in Arizona. Jonathan Lines has reached his two-year term limit as current Arizona chairman for the Republican party. However, Lines said he will seek another term. A Republican committee will vote on the matter Jan. 26.

Two-time Senate candidate Kelli Ward claims the Republican Party in Arizona needs a change in its strategy and approach.

“First and foremost activating the Republican grass-roots, recruiting new precinct committeemen, and people who are willing to do the hard work of getting out to vote,” Kelli Ward said. “We have to make sure that the election process across the board has integrity and that voters regardless of party can trust the outcome of our elections.”

Her decision comes on the heels of a party that recently lost a Senate seat to a close and contentious race between Republican Martha McSally and Democrat Krysten Sinema.

One of the many responsibilities a chairman of a political party is faced with is raising enough money for tools, data, and resources during an election year.

“I raised a record amount of money for the AZ GOP, even more than other people raised for other states,” said Jonathan Lines, AZ GOP Chairman. “The most important thing in running for the state GOP chair is the ability to work with all candidates throughout the state and that is something I am incredibly proud of.”

As of Sept. 30, the Federal Elections Commission shows Kelli Ward has a debt balance over $100,000.

“That debt has all been repaid and it will be on our next FEC report as we close that committee, as of today we don’t have any debt,” Ward told KSWT.

The election of a new AZ GOP Chairman will take place on Jan. 26 and will be voted on by elected State Committeemen from every district or county committee.