Phoenix Union School Board Member Attends Controversial Christmas Event, Poses With Roger Stone

While a number of Arizona Republican officeholders publicly backed away last month from a Christmas-themed political gathering after learning it was hosted by a group with documented ties to white nationalism, one local public official did attend and was photographed alongside a nationally known political operative.

Jeremiah Cota, a board member of the Phoenix Union High School District, attended “The Christmas Crusade,” an event organized by Republicans for National Renewal (RNR) during the broader Turning Point USA AmericaFest conference in Phoenix. Cota’s presence stood in contrast to multiple state legislators who withdrew once the group’s connections and associations became widely reported.

Photographs circulated on social media show Cota smiling for a selfie with Roger Stone, the longtime Republican strategist and political consultant, at the December 20 gathering. Stone’s presence elevated attention to the event, which was promoted in part as a post-AmericaFest holiday party. Cota has not publicly explained the purpose of his attendance, his interaction with Stone, or what, if any, concerns he has about the host group’s associations.

Several Arizona GOP lawmakers who had been listed as potential speakers or guests announced they would not attend after reporting highlighted that RNR and its affiliates have been tied to white nationalist networks and rhetoric. According to local reporting, these lawmakers backed out after learning more about the event’s sponsors and context.

Republicans for National Renewal has hosted social gatherings in conjunction with the AmericaFest conference for several years. Observers, including local media and civil rights groups, have documented guests at these ancillary parties that include individuals linked to extremist movements and ideologies. Earlier RNR events drew attention for imagery and themes that critics say flirt with Crusader symbolism and other controversial motifs.

Phoenix Union High School District covers more than 20 high schools and educates around 27,000 students in the metropolitan Phoenix area. Cota was appointed to the school board in June by Maricopa County School Superintendent Shelli Boggs in June of 2025.