Aiden Swallow

Aiden Swallow began serving in the U.S. Army in 2007.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Aiden "Addie" Swallow is a dedicated public servant, 19-year military veteran, and candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 19. Raised in poverty before joining the Army in 2007, Addie served as a Human Intelligence Collector in Iraq and Afghanistan. She later became a Counterintelligence Special Agent, leading investigations across Southwest Asia and concluding her career as an intelligence and leadership instructor at Fort Huachuca. Following the 2025 inauguration, Addie entered the political arena to champion "Real Solutions for Rural Arizona," bringing disciplined leadership and a lifetime of problem-solving experience to ensure a more affordable Southern Arizona.

Addie is not a politician, but a public leader. She joined politics because she felt she needed to, not because she wants this to be her career. Addie actually wants to be an actress, both in film and theatre; she just couldn't stand on the side lines while the insane MAGA extremists permeated and infested Arizona from the inside and out.

Addie has always been a transparent and born fighter. Addie's state and federal documents accurately list her as a female. Addie is a proud and open transwoman. She chose to be transparent, not because she had to, but because she is not ashamed of herself or identity.

Additionally, she wanted to show what real fighting looks like; fighting for what is right despite the hatred she would receive.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am running for the Arizona House of Representatives to provide "Real Solutions for Rural Arizona." Our communities deserve a platform that prioritizes the needs of working people over special interests.

Too long has Legislative District 19 been improperly or underrepresented with corrupt, inept, and self-serving representatives and senators. I am running, not as a politician, but as a future publicly elected leader.

I am an open book, and that's exactly how our elected leaders should act. My life is not a secret.

I am not a sacrificial lamb for the Democratic Establishment, nor will be used by any political establishments. I serve the people, and I am running to win; that's exactly what I will do... win!My primary focus is expanding AHCCCS and fully funding rural clinics. No neighbor should have to choose between food and medical care. Access to local, quality treatment is a necessity that requires aggressive state support, not cuts that threaten our hospitals and emergency response times. Some rural hospitals are closing, causing long commutes.

I am a staunch defender of public education. We must invest directly in our classrooms and regulate ESA vouchers to ensure public funds support our public schools, which currently rank near the bottom nationally. All of my education and college degrees were obtained through public education. ESA vouchers are a drain on, not just schools, the entire budget of Arizona.Arizona is going through a severe water conservation crisis. We must reserve Arizona’s water for Arizonans, blocking corporations from depleting our aquifers for outside profit. Our resources belong to our families and farmers, and I will fight to keep them here. The current legislators have done nothing to rectify the water issue, despite their insistent lies; they have expedited the crisis with bad legislation.

I will protect the fundamental rights of all residents—including reproductive freedom, medical privacy, and the safety of our diverse border communities. I am dedicated to defending the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring equality for all. I ask for your vote to bring an accountable, transparent government to Legislative District 19.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am proud to announce a legislative initiate known as Arizona SHIELD. This will be among the first legislative initiatives I will fight for in my first 100 days. SHIELD is meant to offset AHCCCS services and support. All citizens and permanent residents will receive healthcare similar to AHCCCS, if not insured. Additionally those on AHCCCS or private insurance can get services or surgeries not provided by their insurance through SHIELD. SHIELD also includes gender affirming care for both cisgender and transgender patients, including surgeries, like breast augmentation or reduction. Cisgender people will receive gender affirming care in the form sexual assistance, like viagra for men and hormone replacement therapy for women on menopause.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

The one person I look up to is my mother. She was the nicest, most kind hearted women I've known. She made the impossible, possible. Unfortunately, she was murdered when I was 19 years old.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Transparency and integrity. Elected officials shouldn't be betraying their constituents by defying the spirit and intent of a law, while "technically" following it.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To serve the people and pass legislation.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to be known as someone who fought when against oppression and hatred when she didn't have to.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

The first job I had before joining the military was when I was a senior in high school. In my tiny town, a brand new McDonald's opened. I didn't have a driver's license so I just walked to work after school everyday. I joined the military right after graduation.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

The hardest thing I've ever done is transitioning, but it's also the most rewarding.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The President is to Congress as the Governor is to the State Legislature. The Governor should be the final gatekeeper on good and ethical legislation.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

The state's greatest challenge will be reversing and dismantling the MAGA extremist rhetoric, hatred, and corrupt policy.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is always necessary in deal making, however, there are something that should never be compromised; human rights are not bargaining chips to be used.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Arizona List

Advocates For Trans Equality (A4TE)

Run For Something (RFS)

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

There were quite a few of historical events, but the most memorable was 9/11, which happened while I was in middle school.