Pima County Republicans Select Dynamic New Leadership

The Pima County Republican Party has elected a new chairperson following an organizational meeting this past weekend. Kathleen Winn, who previously ran against U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani in a GOP primary this year, secured the leadership position over Al Nichols on December 14.

Winn brings a wealth of experience to her role, hosting a daily radio show on KVOI, 1040 AM, and having served in the Arizona Attorney General’s Office under Republican Tom Horne from 2011 to 2015. Her background also includes a career in real estate.

Upon assuming her new role, Winn emphasized the party’s commitment to opposing Proposition 414, a proposed half-cent sales tax that will be decided by Tucson voters on March 11. This proposition aims to fund various programs, including increased staffing for police and fire departments, enhanced emergency and affordable housing initiatives, and support for neighborhood and educational projects. “Quite frankly, the reason they have to do this (tax proposition) is they have mismanaged the money we’ve given them before,” she stated.

In addition to addressing Prop 414, Winn outlined plans to recruit candidates for the upcoming Tucson City Council elections, particularly for Wards 3, 5, and 6.

The organizational meeting also saw the election of several officers. Brook Doty was chosen as first vice chair, Pat Rogers as second vice chair, Tara Maldonado Oster as third vice chair, and Roderick Smith as fourth vice chair. Kelly Hazel was appointed treasurer, while Lynn Kronk assumes the role of secretary.

Members at large include Ron DeSouza, Janet “JL” Wittenbraker, Bill Lake, Betsy Smith, and Gabby Mercer.