Kari Lake Aims to Win GOP Primary for Closely Watched Arizona Senate Race
PHOENIX (AP) — Kari Lake is poised to secure the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in Arizona on Tuesday, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown against Democratic U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego. This race is critical, as it could play a pivotal role in determining control of the Senate.
In Maricopa County, which encompasses metro Phoenix and represents 60% of Arizona's electorate, Republicans face a choice between incumbents who have challenged former President Donald Trump's unfounded claims about the 2020 election and challengers who support those claims. The outcome of this primary will provide insights into the political landscape of this closely divided state as it heads into the final stretch of the 2024 election cycle, where Arizona is a key battleground for both the White House and Congress.
Gallego is running unopposed in the Democratic primary, positioning him favorably for the general election. During a recent telephone rally with Lake, Trump urged his supporters to vote, praising Lake as a candidate who would not disappoint. “She’s fantastic. She will not let us down,” he stated, highlighting her alignment with his agenda.
Lake, who gained national recognition through her association with Trump's “Make America Great Again” movement during her unsuccessful 2022 gubernatorial campaign, has seen a reduction in the number of Republican contenders since announcing her Senate bid. Her primary opponent, Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, claims to be the more electable candidate focused on border security. However, Lamb has struggled to garner the necessary financial support, raising only $2 million compared to Lake's impressive $10.3 million by the end of June.
The winner of this primary will face Gallego in the race to succeed Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who was elected as a Democrat in 2018 but later left the party to become an independent after losing support among her base. Sinema considered running as an independent but ultimately decided against it.
Lake's political journey began after her departure from the news anchor desk at the Phoenix Fox affiliate, where she quickly emerged as a prominent figure on the right. Her sharp critiques of the media, strong stance on border security, and unwavering support for Trump have resonated with grassroots Republicans. During the recent rally, Lake expressed her eagerness to support Trump in Washington, D.C., emphasizing her commitment to conservative values.
In the 2022 primary for Arizona governor, Lake defeated an establishment-backed Republican but narrowly lost the general election. Despite her initial success, she did not pivot toward a more centrist approach to unify the Republican base. Since launching her Senate campaign, Lake has made inconsistent attempts to moderate her more controversial views, including her stance on abortion and election integrity.
Republican voters in Maricopa County will also have the opportunity to challenge elected officials who have not aligned with Trump's narrative regarding the 2020 and 2022 elections. Notably, Recorder Stephen Richer, who has defended the integrity of elections, has become a target for right-wing criticism.
In addition to the Senate race, Republicans are vying to replace retiring GOP Rep. Debbie Lesko in a safe Republican district, with candidates like Blake Masters and Abraham Hamadeh, who have turned against each other since their 2022 losses. The Democratic side is also heating up, with two competitive U.S. House primaries in the Phoenix area, setting the stage for a dynamic electoral season.
As the primary approaches, all eyes are on Arizona, where the outcomes could significantly influence the broader political landscape heading into the 2024 elections.