Aiden “Addie” Swallow, candidate for LD 19 House at DGT

by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“Join us to hear Ms. Swallow speak about her campaign for office, and her experience being targeted as a trans woman, being baselessly and unjustly separated from the military, and to answer your questions.

You Must Register in Advance for this Event:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/t25GVDQKTeOv9O4tnZmLIQ

Ms. Swallow says about herself:

I was born October 1988 and lived in Washington State until I was six years old. At that time I moved to South Carolina, and was mostly raised there. I have lived as a resident in Sierra Vista since 2019.

In 2007 I joined the United States Army as an Active Duty Soldier with the MOS 97E, Human Intelligence Collector. Shortly after joining, all intelligence was changed to the 35 series, meaning I was now a 35M.

I remained a 35M until 2018. During that time, I served in South Korea for a year, where I served as a strategic debriefer. In 2010, I deployed to Iraq, where I conducted source operations and participated in multiple combat operations. In 2012, I deployed to Afghanistan where I served as a Human Intelligence Collection Team Leader, leading a small team, and conducted source operations and interrogations. While in Afghanistan, I participated in multiple combat operations and earned a Combat Action Badge in response.

In 2018, I decided to reclassify my primary MOS to 35L, a Counterintelligence Special Agent, while making 35M my secondary MOS. In 2018 I conducted federal investigations as a Counterintelligence Special Agent in Southwest Asia.

In 2019, I became an instructor at Fort Huachuca, AZ, where I taught 35M Advanced Leader Course, 35L Advanced Leader Course, Counterintelligence Special Agent Course, and Senior Leader Course.

In 2024, I realized I was a transgender woman, continuing to serve my unit, and working through my transition. In 2025, I was wrongfully removed from military service for my transgender identity, failing to fully serve 20 years.

Awards and accolades of note during military service include:
– Combat Action Badge
– Basic Instructor Badge
– Multiple Army Service Medals
– Obtained the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7)
– Managed millions of dollars in equipment
– Written or overseen thousands of intelligence reports for the Intelligence Community
– Managed strict budgets, in austere environments, for intelligence use
– Lead investigator on a national level investigation in Southwest Asia
– Recognized as the Instructor of the Cycle for a Senior Leader Course
– Course Manager of 35M Advanced Leader Course

I am now very active in the local community. I volunteer at multiple non-profit organizations, time permitting.

Of note, I am active in the Sierra Vista Community Theatre, where I perform and have
volunteered hundreds of hours. This has included performing as an actor, working as a theatre technician, working as a theatre costume and set designer, teaching at the yearly Theatre
Camp, and directing the One Act performance of The Strand That Beads You by Allison Fradkin.

I have raised, as of today, hundreds of dollars for the Cochise Family Advocacy Center, Lori’s Place, and am recognized as a partner for them.

I am currently endorsed by Run Rural Strategies, with multiple local and national endorsements pending.”

Carolyn’s note: LD 19 is currently represented by 2 Republicans incumbents, Gail Griffin and Lupe Diaz. They are up for re-election in 2026. At one time Aiden was interested in running for CD 6.